Deadline reports Austin Butler has been cast in Elvis Presley in the upcoming biopic.
In a statement, director Baz Luhrmann said:
“I knew I couldn’t make this film if the casting wasn’t absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also the inner vulnerability of the artist. Throughout the casting process, it was an honor for me to encounter such a vast array of talent. I had heard about Austin Butler from his stand-out role opposite Denzel Washington in The Iceman Cometh on Broadway, and through a journey of extensive screen testing and music and performance workshops, I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures.”
Original story from July 7, 2019 below:
The Hollywood Reporter says that Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass and Avengers: Age of Ultron), Miles Teller (Whiplash), Harry Styles (Dunkirk) and Austin Butler (Zoey 101) have tested to play Elvis Presly in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming biopic on the King of Rock and Roll.
Whoever is cast in the role in the coming weeks will join Tom Hanks, who is already on board as Col. Tom Parker, the “legendary manager who controlled every aspect of Elvis’ life.” The movie will focus on “the late entertainer’s rise and zenith, with a major aspect being his relationship with Parker.”
Out of the five options, my two picks would have to be Austin Butler or Harry Styles. Both have the singing chops, and I know Butler can play guitar. Butler actually looks the closest to Presley (physically), so he’d probably be my pick. Teller, Taylor-Johnson, and Elgort are all over Hollywood, so it would be nice to give the role to someone else. See them sink into this larger than life icon.
Who do you want to see cast out of the five?