Austin Butleris recalling the “terror” he experienced while playing the legendaryElvis PresleyinBaz Luhrmann’sElvis.
The biopicis now nominatedfor threeGolden Globe Awards, including best picture (drama), best director and best actor (drama) for Butler, who said he had compilations of Presley’s voice that he would “listen to every day — his laugh, different songs” for “hours.”
The actor worked intensely during lockdown with voice, movement and singing coaches to aid in his transformation.
“And then once I was allowed to leave the apartment, I would usually wake up every day around 3 or 4 in the morning with this terror,” Butler admitted toJimmy Kimmel.
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Austin Butler.Emma McIntyre/WireImage
The Presley family hasgiven Butler their stamp of approvalon his impersonation.Priscilla Presley, the late King of Rock and Roll’s ex-wife, raved about Luhrmann’s vision and Butler’s performance after she was treated to a private screening in April.
“For those curious about the new film ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann, the director, provided a private screening for me andJerry Schillingat Warner studios recently,” Priscilla, 77,wrote on Facebookat the time.
“This story is about Elvis andColonel Parker’s relationship,” she added. “It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered. Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding.”
Elvis.Warner Bros.
“Are you born with destiny? Or does it just come knocking at your door?” Parker says. “At that moment I watched that skinny boy transform into a superhero. He was my destiny.”
Speaking to a young Presley, Parker tells him, “I wish to promote you, Mr. Presley. Are you ready to fly?” Smiling, Presley says, “I’m ready. Ready to fly.”
During a press event for the film in February, Butler spoke aboutwhy he was interested in playing Presley, saying that “fundamentally getting to explore the humanity of somebody who has become the wallpaper of society in a way” was what drew him in.
“He’s such an icon and held to superhuman status,” said Butler, who beat outMiles TellerandHarry Stylesfor the role. “To get to explore that for years and learn why he was the way that he was, it was such a joy that I could do that for the rest of my life probably.”
source: people.com
