Austin Butler admits he didn’t see his family for three years while filming Elvis – says the King of Rock was ‘the only thing’ he ever thought about
Austin Butler didn’t see his family for three years while preparing for and starring in his role as the King of Rock and Roll in the musical drama Elvis.
Sit down with Janelle Monae diverseThe 31-year-old actor shared the depths he went to in order to get into the character of legendary singer Elvis Presley.
He said Austin had about a year and a half to prepare before they began filming the Baz Luhrmann biopic.
Making sacrifices: Austin Butler didn’t see his family for three years while preparing for and starring in his role as the King of Rock and Roll in the musical drama Elvis
During this time, Elvis would not only be “the only thing” Austin ever thought about, but would also speak in his voice because “that’s what it takes.”
Speaking to Janelle, he said: “During Elvis, I hadn’t seen my family in about three years. I was in New York getting ready with Buzz and then I went to Australia.
I had months where I wouldn’t talk to anyone – and when I did, the only thing I could think about was Elvis.
Becoming Elvis: Butler had a year and a half to prepare for the role. At this time, not only would Elvis be the ‘only thing’ Austin thought about, but he would also speak in his own voice.
It’s the only thing I’ve been focusing on. I was speaking in his voice the whole time, so I talk to my sister and she has to listen to that and she says, “What are you doing?”
So I just had to be focused and yeah. That’s what it takes.
Luhrmann’s film documents Presley’s meteoric rise to stardom in the 1950s and explores the music legend’s complex relationship with his manager, Col. Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks).
Butler has previously opened up about the effects of playing Elvis, admitting that he “lost touch” with his character.
He told GQ magazine, “You can lose touch with who you really are, and I certainly had that when I was done with Elvis — I don’t know who I am.”
The King: Austin (right) looked strikingly different when he transformed into rock singer Elvis Presley (left)
In addition to the mental impact of playing Elvis, Austin also revealed that he was bedridden for a week after becoming unwell one day after filming wrapped in March 2021.
He was diagnosed with a virus that mimics appendicitis, Butler said, and said his body shut down immediately after filming.
He said, “I woke up at 4 am in excruciating pain, and was taken to the hospital.”
Despite the auditions for the role, Austin admitted that he still finds Elvis’ music “comforting” as he has spoken of being a huge fan of the American singer, saying, “I’ve never loved someone I’ve never met more than Elvis”.
The transformation: Comes after Austin admitted he “lost touch” with his character after playing the “King of Rock and Roll” in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic (pictured)
Since starring in Elvis, Butler has enjoyed continued success.
On Sunday, it was announced that the actor will be Lizzo’s guest on Saturday Night Live.
Hollywood’s new leading man posted a picture of a sticky note announcing the news to his Instagram account with a single heart emoji.
he is too He recently landed a role in the sequel to Dune.
Open up about the role diverse While on the red carpet at the 2022 Governors Awards.
“I loved the first movie so much,” he gushed. This was a masterpiece of cinema, so the idea of becoming part of that world is very exciting and Dennis (the director) is one of my favorite filmmakers and just an amazing human being.
“He’s so cute and I admire every single one of those actors in the movie, so I felt really proud,” the star continued.
The rising star joined the film’s cast in March and will appear playing Feyd-Rautha alongside Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya in Dune: Part Two.
Big Night: On Sunday, it was announced that the actor will be Lizzo’s guest on Saturday Night Live
