Austin Butler's Journey To Portraying Elvis Presley In Baz Luhrmann's Biopic

Austin Butler has garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic, Elvis, which is available for streaming on Netflix. His performance not only captured the essence of the iconic singer but also earned him a Golden Globe and BAFTA Award, along with an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This recognition highlights Butler's talent and dedication to the role, making the film a significant milestone in his career.

However, Butler's journey to landing the role was not without its challenges. His path to playing such a legendary figure involved encouragement from notable figures like Vanessa Hudgens and Denzel Washington, extensive collaborative meetings with director Baz Luhrmann, and a unique audition experience that took place in the middle of the night while he was still in his bathrobe. This unconventional approach showcases Butler's commitment to embodying Elvis and the lengths to which he went to prepare for the role.

Encouragement from Vanessa Hudgens

Before Butler even knew a film about Elvis was in the works, his then-girlfriend, Vanessa Hudgens, expressed her belief that he was the perfect fit for the role. Their relationship provided not just support but also a pivotal moment of inspiration. While looking at holiday lights one evening, a Christmas song by Presley played on the radio, prompting Hudgens to enthusiastically declare, “You’ve got to play Elvis!”

Though Butler had previously been told that he resembled Presley, he had never considered the notion seriously and responded, “Oh, that’s such a long shot.” Yet, shortly after this moment, he received an unexpected call from his agent informing him that Luhrmann was making an Elvis movie. Feeling a surge of coincidence and excitement, Butler decided to fully commit to the opportunity ahead.

A Wide Casting Net

Luhrmann organized a global search for the lead role, conducting auditions in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. This extensive casting process led Butler to create a video of himself singing “Love Me Tender.” However, he was unhappy with the end result, feeling it lacked authenticity and depth.

Reflecting on his initial audition, Butler stated, “I watched it back, and I just saw all the external things. I saw me trying to focus the muscles in my face to look like Elvis. It felt very surface.” His dissatisfaction pushed him to set the video aside, questioning whether he truly believed he could take on such an iconic role.

The Bathrobe Audition Tape

Ultimately, Butler did submit an audition video that would change the course of his career. He delved deeper into researching Presley's life, discovering their shared experience of losing their mothers at the age of 23. This personal connection sparked a moment of inspiration in Butler, leading him to channel the emotions from his own grief into the character of Elvis.

One fateful night, after waking from a nightmare about his mother, Butler felt compelled to express his pain through music. Still in his bathrobe and with disheveled hair, he recorded himself singing “Unchained Melody.” This raw and emotional performance resonated with Luhrmann, who later revealed that it moved him to tears, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in audition processes.

Denzel Washington’s Recommendation

As Butler navigated the audition process, he caught the attention of Denzel Washington, who unknowingly played a crucial role in his journey. Washington had worked with Butler in the Broadway production of The Iceman Cometh and was impressed by his work ethic. When he reached out to Luhrmann, he praised Butler's dedication and talent, further solidifying Butler's chances of landing the role.

Luhrmann recounted Washington's enthusiastic endorsement, stating, “You will not believe this young man’s work ethic. There is just no minute he won’t give to the art.” This unexpected call reinforced Luhrmann's desire to meet Butler, highlighting the importance of networking and support in the competitive entertainment industry.

Five-Month Audition Process

Butler's journey did not end with his initial audition. After meeting Luhrmann in New York City, they engaged in a three-hour conversation that marked the beginning of a five-month collaborative process. During this time, they discussed various aspects of the film and how to authentically portray Elvis Presley on screen. These discussions were vital in shaping Butler’s understanding of the character.

Despite the extensive preparation, Butler faced another challenge when it came time for his screen test. Luhrmann, known for his spontaneous directorial style, changed the song choices at the last minute. This unexpected twist tested Butler's adaptability and performance skills, ultimately leading to a memorable audition experience.

After the screen test, Butler felt uncertain about his chances of getting the role. However, a week later, Luhrmann delivered the life-changing news in his dramatic style, asking, “Are you ready to fly, Mr. Presley?” This moment marked the culmination of Butler's hard work and dedication, leading him to step into the shoes of one of music history's most iconic figures.