Austin Butler To Play Elvis Presley In Upcoming Baz Luhrmann-Directed Biopic

The cast for the new Elvis Presley biopic has been released, and Austin Butler will play the King himself.

The upcoming film will be directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Butler beat out other big names in the industry such as Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller and Harry Styles, who were rumored to be in the running for the role.

Luhrmann made a statement to Deadline about the casting process for the role.

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“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, he said. “Throughout the casting process, it was an honor for me to encounter such a vast array of talent,” Luhrmann continued. “I 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,” he stated.

Butler shared the news on Instagram with the caption, “You have made my life complete, and I love you so.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8sg24Bw6y/

His girlfriend, Vanessa Hudgens, has also shared the news to express her happiness for her longtime lover.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8YPYIhbeA/

“I AMMMM OVERRRR THE F*CKING MOOOOOOOONNNNN,” she wrote. “I CANT WAIT SO PROUD OF MY HONEYYYYY!!!,” she continued with heart eye emojis.

Hudgens and Butler have been dating since 2012.

They were also seen together at The Dead Don’t Die New York premiere last month. 

Butler has also been taking on roles for other projects like The Shannara Chronicles, arrow, Switched at Birth, The Carrie Diaries and Life Unexpected.