Austin Butler received praise for "perfectly" portraying Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's film, "Elvis." However, the King of Rock and Roll's ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, reportedly did not want the actor to play the role.
Butler debuted as an actor in 2005, but he had not enjoyed a solo spotlight until he starred in Baz Luhrmann's multi-awarded musical biopic, "Elvis." His portrayal led him to score several accolades and even scored a spot in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2023.
Before the success story, it was recently revealed that Priscilla Presley did not approve of casting Butler that she wrote a personal letter to the director.
Priscilla Presley Said Austin Butler Was 'Too Skinny' To Portray Elvis Presley
In a previous interview with Deadline, Luhrmann recalled Priscilla's concerns as she thought Butler could pull off the role. He revealed that the widow went "too far" when she expressed her initial concerns in the letter.
"I really mean this with great respect because now we're like family," Luhrmann said. "But she got a little bit vocal about her doubts. She said, 'I don't know, this film could be crazy. Baz can be wackadoo. And how can this skinny kid play Elvis?'"
Luhrmann did not share more content of the letter. But he noted that Priscilla wrote another letter after the film, saying he perfectly portrayed the singer.
The actress said Butler captured every move and wink the "Can't Help Falling in Love" singer had when he was still alive. She even assumed that Presley would tell the actor "you are me" if he was able to watch the biopic.
Austin Butler Outshined Other Candidates
Before Butler secured the role, there were A-list stars considered to lead the musical biopic.
Harry Styles reportedly received an offer due to his singing skills and empire in the music industry. However, his busy schedule and status as one of the world's famous pop stars reportedly affected the decision.
Other actors who were rumored to do the role included Miles Teller, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ansel Elgort.
Luhrmann soon moved on with Butler, and the choice was the best one since the actor swept award-giving bodies in the past months.
Among the awards included Best Actor at the AACTA International Awards, Best Actor in a Leading Role at the British Academy Film Awards, Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama at the Golden Globe Awards, Best Breakthrough Performance at the North Carolina Film Critics Association, and Drama Movie Star of 2022 at the People's Choice Awards.
Butler is still up to bring home the Best Actor award from the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance this year.
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