Austin Butler recently made headlines for comments about his intense method acting approach while portraying Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic film Elvis. While promoting his new villain role as Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two, Butler discussed toning down the method of acting this time. When discussing his acting approach for Dune: Part Two, Butler explained that he set clear boundaries this time around to avoid losing himself entirely in the role. He made a deliberate decision to protect the well-being of those around him between takes, recognizing that extreme method acting can negatively impact family, friends, and colleagues off-set.
Austin Butler’s Method Acting Approach Causes Controversy
Austin Butler, the 32-year-old actor, transformed himself to embody Elvis Presley, adopting the icon’s accent and mannerisms for over two years until filming wrapped.
“With Elvis, I explored living within that world for three years and that being the only thing that I think about day and night,” Butler told the Los Angeles Times. He clarified, “I made a conscious decision to have a boundary. It allowed for more freedom between action and cut because I knew I was going to protect everybody else outside of the context of what we were doing.”
Butler acknowledged that some level of character immersion is inevitable and will seep into an actor’s regular life. However, he was careful not to let things escalate to any dangerous or unhealthy behavior when the cameras weren’t rolling. Setting these boundaries allowed Butler to fully commit to playing Feyd-Rautha while filming, exploring the dark character’s psyche intensively in-scene. But separating himself between takes enabled Butler to avoid any extreme consequences from his method of acting.
Still, Butler’s remarks struck a nerve after alarming method acting stories involving actors like Jared Leto. Some feel Butler glamorized an unhealthy approach that compromises safety. Here are a few fan reactions to Butler’s statement:
Very kind of Austin not to kill people on set! Very cool. https://t.co/VjjxKZCcU3
— The Sietch of Sci-Fi (@TSoS_) February 23, 2024
Method acting is one of the douchiest things of all time
— Joe (@Joec91_) February 22, 2024
How can anyone take method acting seriously? 😂 He can’t act unless he’s always in character? cmon
— carol ein (@iamsogaywtf) February 23, 2024
he is a lovely person… but his method acting takes make me cry
— Cheska (@SiCheskaBa) February 23, 2024
Butler’s remarks have rubbed some fans the wrong way, sparking debate around method acting.
How Has Austin Butler Responded to Backlash?
Amid criticism, Butler has emphasized method acting for Elvis was a unique case given the icon’s complex life. While Butler’s extreme Elvis prep sparked debate, many defended the method of acting responsibly. Some point to Daniel Day-Lewis’ meticulous approaches as positive examples. He talked to Entertainment Weekly about his experience while filming for Dune.
“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.”
Austin Butler has emerged as one of the most sought-after young actors in Hollywood on the heels of his breakout performance as Elvis Presley. The intense preparation and complete immersion Butler committed to embodying the music legend paid off tremendously, earning widespread critical praise and awards attention.
Though just 31, Butler boasts over 15 years of experience acting in shows like Zoey 101, Switched at Birth, and The Carrie Diaries. With leading roles in high-profile films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and now Dune: Part Two under his belt, Butler has proven his versatility and magnetism on screen. His transformative Elvis role showcased the depths of his talent and dedication to his craft. Butler remains one of the most exciting rising stars to watch.
Dune 2 is slated for an IMAX release on Feb 25th.
