Austin Butler is a Hollywood rock star in waiting. He tells NME why playing the most famous musician ever will put him over the top
The first time Austin Butler took to the stage as Elvis Presley was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of his life. “I was walking out in the famous black leather outfit and I was terrified,” says Butler, who exudes the kind of laidback California cool that makes it hard to imagine he’s ever been nervous. “I’d done so much work, but in that moment I thought, ‘If this doesn’t go well the whole film could fall apart and my career’s over. It’s make or break.’”
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undreds of extras were waiting for him to perform and excite them into a screaming frenzy. The scene was a recreation of Elvis’ 1968 special, his ‘comeback’ show after seven years away from the live stage focusing on making movies. It was one of the defining moments of Elvis’ career, a show that proved he was still the most exciting performer on the planet. Standing on the edge of set, looking out at the bright lights and expectant audience, Butler took a huge breath. “Then I realised, this is a moment that was make or break for Elvis too. Everything was on the line for him.” If this show didn’t go right for Elvis, his career was over.
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