'Elvis' Star Austin Butler Being Recruited By Big Organization After Death of Lisa Marie Presley, Major Oscars Noms

Austin Butler as 'Elvis'
VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

As "Elvis" actor Austin Butler earned eight Oscars at this year's Academy Awards, he has vaulted into A-List superstardom.

Austin Butler was nominated for "Best Actor," "Best Picture," and "Best Cinematography" for his work in Baz Luhrmann's biopic.

As a result, it has been reported that the Church of Scientology seeks to add Austin as a member.

According to an insider who spoke to the National Enquirer, "Priscilla Presley joined Scientology after Elvis died and never formally left the organization."

"It's no coincidence that her renowned friendship with Austin - and famous Scientologist Tom Cruise's newfound interest in the young star - is no coincidence."

According to insiders, the contentious moment is seeking for a new face to stand beside Scientology poster boy Tom.

Reports claimed the church now feels Austin Butler is the appropriate guy.

Apart from Tom, Elisabeth Moss, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Lisa Marie Presley, and others are claimed to be members of the religious organization.

In a purported interview with Scientology critic Tony Ortega, Lisa Marie discussed her choice to quit the church after joining it at nine when John Travolta's aide also recruited Priscilla Presley.

The troubled actress accused church leader David Miscavige of capitalizing on the Presley family riches and said she was forced to divorce her second ex-husband, Michael Jackson.

Lisa Marie Presley died in January after suffering two cardiac arrests at her home in Los Angeles. A few days before her death, she was seen with her mother applauding on Austin Butler when he won "Best Actor in a Drama, Motion" for his depiction of the late King of Rock' n' Roll at the 2023 Golden Globes.

The Truth About The Church Wanting To Recruit Austin Butler

But, it's wise to take this allegation with a grain of salt because there's no confirmation that Scientology wants Austin Butler to be the church's next poster boy.

And, as for Elvis, there is no conclusive proof that the Church of Scientology was specifically concerned with obtaining him.

Yet, according to some stories, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was keen in attracting high-profile celebrities to the religion, and Elvis Presley was one of the stars Hubbard was after.

In his book "Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief," writer Lawrence Wright says that Hubbard was interested in recruiting Elvis Presley and that the Church of Scientology had sought to establish contact with the "Can't Stop Falling In Love" singer in the 1960s.

Lawrence writes that Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, was approached by Scientology officials but turned them down, claiming that Elvis was "already a member of the First Church of God, the Almighty Dollar."

Despite this, there is no proof that the Church of Scientology was obsessed with obtaining Elvis Presley or pursued him obsessively.

Hubbard and other Scientology officials may have been interested in recruiting Elvis, as they were in other celebrities. Yet, there is no conclusive evidence of any special fixation or effort to persuade him to join the religion.

Elvis Presley was spiritual and had a strong attachment to gospel music. He was reared in the Christian religion and admired gospel music and the message it carried. Throughout his career, Presley was known to frequent church services and even produced many gospel records.

He was known, however, to be interested in other spiritual practices and ideas, such as meditation and eastern philosophies. According to sources, he was introduced to Scientology doctrines in the 1960s, although it is unknown if he ever actually joined the cult.

While Elvis Presley had a profound connection to the Christian religion and gospel music throughout his life, he also investigated other spiritual practices and beliefs.

Elvis Presley Music

Elvis Presley is largely considered as one of the most significant and influential individuals in popular music history. He established the rock & roll genre by fusing elements of country, blues, and gospel to create a new sound that grabbed listeners all over the world.

"Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "Suspicious Minds," and "Can't Help Falling in Love" are among Elvis Presley's most successful and lasting songs; he also recorded several legendary ballads such as "Love Me Tender," "It's Now or Never," and "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"

Elvis was well-known for his forceful versions of other artists' songs, notably "Blue Suede Shoes" by Carl Perkins, "That's All Right" by Arthur Crudup, and "All Shook Up" by Otis Blackwell.

Elvis Presley sold millions of recordings over his career, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. His imprint on popular music and culture continues to be felt today, more than 40 years after his death.

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