Following a highly competitive casting, Baz Luhrmann has announced he finally found his Elvis for the upcoming biopic about the legendary singer’s rise to fame. The coveted role officially belongs to Switched at Birth actor & singer Austin Butler, who will be seen later this month in Quentin Tarantino’s anticipated Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
@austinbutler
A growing team
The young actor joins Tom Hanks as his co-star. Hanks had already been cast as Presley’s legendary manager, Colonel Tom Parker—an essential focus of the King’s story and the one figure other than Presley himself around which the film’s plot will revolve.
In a statement about his decision, Luhrmann told Deadline:
“I knew I couldn’t make this film if the casting wasn’t absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also [his] inner vulnerability … I had heard about Austin Butler from his stand-out role opposite Denzel Washington in The Iceman Cometh on Broadway, and through a journey of extensive screen testing and music and performance workshops, I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures.”
Luhrmann wrote the script with long-time collaborator Craig Pearce (The Great Gatsby (2013), Moulin Rouge! (2001)), and will also co-produce alongside with his partner, Oscar-winner Catherine Martin. The latter will also serve as production and costume designer. The film’s production is set to begin in Queensland, Australia, next year.
Tough competition
The role involved an incredibly competitive casting, with many high-regarded names looking to land it in a process reported weeks ago. Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver), Miles Teller (Whiplash), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass), and One Direction singer Harry Styles were all competing to play Elvis.
In a genuine show of excitement, Butler posted the news to Instagram by quoting Presley’s “Love Me Tender”: “You have made my life complete, and I love you so.” That’s a happy young actor if there ever was one.
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