LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Austin Butler, the talented actor known for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic 'Elvis,' has shared how his co-star Tom Hanks played a crucial role in averting possible "emotional whiplash".
Hanks, a respected Hollywood figure at the age of 67, extended his support to Butler, who is 36 years his junior, in an effort to ensure the actor's well-being during and after the intense project.
Notably, Butler's performance in the biographical film earned him an Oscar nomination. The actor immersed himself deeply in his role, undergoing a remarkable transformation to embody the iconic musician that Hanks grew concerned about the potential emotional aftermath once the project concluded.
1. Does Tom Hanks like Austin Butler?
Austin Butler's commitment to the character was so profound that Hanks grew concerned about the potential emotional toll once the project concluded.
He revealed that Hanks, during a dinner conversation, expressed his apprehensions, stating, "You have immersed yourself so deeply in Elvis that, for your mental health, it would be wise to go straight into something else. If you just jump off the train, you might have emotional whiplash," reported The Sunday Times.
Responding to Hanks' concern, the Hollywood legend extended an opportunity for Butler to swiftly transition into a new role in "this thing I'm producing."
Hanks invited the younger actor to join him in his upcoming TV series, 'Masters Of The Air,' which he is co-producing with Steven Spielberg. The series, scheduled for release on September 20, delves into the narrative of the 100th Bombardment Group of the US Air Force during World War II.
2. How did Austin Butler feel about playing Elvis?
Butler's performance in the biographical film, directed by Baz Luhrmann, earned him an Oscar nomination. He immersed himself deeply into the role of the iconic musician, undergoing a remarkable transformation, altering his voice, and frequently performing as the legendary singer.
"It was just such a daunting thing. And I really just was guided by my terror," he said of the role. Throughout the lockdown period, he dedicated himself fervently to refining his craft, collaborating with coaches specializing in voice, movement, and singing to facilitate his metamorphosis.
"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."
3. Is Austin Butler Tom Hanks' son?
Butler's birth took place on August 17, 1991, in Anaheim, California. His parents are Lori Anne (nee Howell), an aesthetician, and David Butler. Their marriage ended in divorce when he was seven years old.
Accompanying him during his time on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide was his elder sister, Ashley (born in 1986), who also engaged as a background actor. Therefore, no Butler is not Hanks' son.
4. Does Alvin Butler normally sound like Elvis?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Butler's journey through 'Elvis's awards season is the persistent resemblance of his daily speech to that of Elvis.
Butler himself playfully addressed this during his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live in December, a joke that was followed by his sustained Elvis-like speaking style.
Also, his presence on the red carpet at the Golden Globes in January, where he clinched the Best Actor award for a Drama Motion Picture, reignited discussions about his vocal transformation.
However, Butler stood by his unique manner of speaking. Even his singing coach, Irene Bartlett, supported it, albeit acknowledging the possibility that he might adopt this voice permanently.
