Austin Butler has been raising his game in the past few years as his recent performances have impressed critics and audiences. His choice of films and projects that he associates himself with is a testament to his desire to branch out as an actor and show his versatility, He started to gain traction among audiences with his scene-stealing short role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Butler transformed himself and became Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrman’s sprawling musical film that catapulted his career to new heights. 2024 seems to be his year as Masters of the Air and Dune: Part Two have become big successes. His menacing performance in the latter has led to some comparing him to Heath Ledger’s Joker. However, many do not agree with that comparison.
Fans Claim Austin Butler in Dune: Part Two Was Nowhere Close to Heath Ledger
Austin Butler has been receiving positive reviews for his performance in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two. The actor played Feyd-Rautha, the nephew of the Baron, who has a psychopathic nature. Butler’s incredible performance captured the intimidating nature of the character and his twisted obsession with death and power.
Fans have been hailing Butler’s’ performance as one of the highlights of the film. Some even went on to compare his performance to what Heath Ledger did with the Joker in The Dark Knight. However, some were of the opinion that, while Butler was magnificent in the film, he did not reach the heights of what Ledger achieved with his portrayal of Joker. Here are some of the reactions on X,
Better than Heath Ledger? C’mon now pic.twitter.com/nj4pmhXB2P
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) March 3, 2024
Let’s be honest any one could have played that Character, most Actors jump at those opportunities because they are somewhat easier to portray.
— TheAllSeeingTy (@tytheanimator) March 3, 2024
Joaquin Phoenix surpassed heath in my opinion he legit went crazy in that movie heath set the bar I feel like phoenix surpassed him gotta stop letting the nostalgia get in the way.
— Shawn 🧙♂️ (@TidiestWizard) March 4, 2024
I wish he had more screen time in the movie, he was great!
— Calm of Fenrir (@JamesHalliday94) March 3, 2024
I watched n when I saw him I was “oh man, Elvis went nuts” he did awesome
— James jr (@jclarojr) March 3, 2024
The Butler-Ledger comparison is all subjective and there is no correct answer. While Ledger created history with his Joker, Butler’s Feyd-Rautha will arguably become his most recognizable character. He is sure to receive some award nominations next year. With his back-to-back amazing performances, he has proved his worth as an actor and many big-name filmmakers will now be line line wanting to work with him.
Austin Butler Claims People Were Passing Out While Filming Dune: Part Two
When Austin Butler was cast as Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two, he was excited and committed to bringing a new side of the character than what Sting did in David Lynch’s 1984 film. The first scene that he shot for the film was his introductory gladiator match arranged by his uncle, The Baron. Butler recalls the uncomfortable and scorching conditions under which he shot the scene.
Butler told Entertainment Weekly that it was 110 degrees on the day of the shoot and with all the costumes and make-up on, it was scorching hot. He recalled people passing out due to the extreme heat. However, he feels that the crew bonded in being together and working in an uncomfortable environment. He said,
“It was 110 degrees and so hot. I had the bald cap on, and it was between two soundstages that were just these gray boxes of 200-foot walls and sand. It became like a microwave. There were people passing out from heat stroke. And that was just my first week. It really bonds the entire crew. There’s something so humbling about being in such an uncomfortable environment.”
Butler is currently riding high on the success of Dune: Part Two. He will next be seen in Jeff Nichols’ film The Bikeriders where he stars alongside Tom Hardy and Jodie Comer. Dune: Part Two is currently running successfully in theatres.
