Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley biopic created quite a buzz when it was released back in 2022. Starring Austin Butler in the lead as the King of Rock & Roll, the film was well received and went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture along with other accolades.
However, it was truly the effort and dedication that Butler put in that made the film such a success. But before Luhrmann could cast the young American star, there were numerous actors in line to play the controversial legendary figure. Among the list of stars eyeing the role was the One Direction sensation, Harry Styles, who Luhrmann rejected due to one crucial issue.
Reason Why Harry Styles Was Turned Down By Baz Luhrmann For Elvis
Harry Styles, much like Elvis Presley, is one of the biggest musical sensations of the modern world. Popularized by being in the extremely well-known boy band, One Direction, the star has since taken over the musical landscape and also showcased his acting prowess in the acclaimed WWI film, Dunkirk.
From looks to personality and fanfare, Styles has it all including an amazing singing voice. But despite his sincere efforts to play the music legend and his impeccable acting skills, Baz Luhrmann rejected him. While on the popular Australian radio, Fitzy and Wippa, Luhrmann revealed the real reason why he did not cast Harry Styles.
“Harry is a talented actor. I would work on something with him, but Harry’s real issue is that he’s Harry Styles. He’s already an icon.”
Also revealing that the As It Was hitmaker was desperate to put on the suit, Luhrmann stated that he has nothing but great things to say about Harry Styles. And so, despite having everything, in the end, it was Harry Styles’ fame, success, and star status that led him to lose the Oscar-nominated role.
Reason Why Baz Luhrmann Decided To Cast Austin Butler And Not Harry Styles
The role of Elvis Presley in Elvis was an extremely contested role, with numerous actors including Harry Styles eyeing the role. But in the end, it was Austin Butler who emerged victorious and Luhrmann could not have been more right in his casting choices.
Putting in 3 years of his life’s work for the critically acclaimed biopic and going ahead to even create his own voice catalog to nail the rockstar’s voice (via Entertainment Weekly), Butler truly set an example for other budding and seasoned actors in the industry.
As for Baz Luhrmann, the Australian director once revealed to Deadline, that he knew he had found the perfect actor in Butler even before they started shooting.
“Throughout the casting process, it was an honor for me to encounter such a vast array of talent. I had heard about Austin Butler… 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.”
And that is how Luhrmann roped in the actor for his first major role. And Butler’s efforts were awarded when he went on to earn multiple prestigious accolades including an Oscar nomination.
Elvis can be streamed on Netflix.
