5 things to know about Austin Butler, actor tapped to play Elvis Presley in upcoming biopic
We can't help falling in love with this recent casting announcement.
Actor Austin Butler, 27, will play late music icon Elvis Presley in the upcoming biopic on the King, directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Butler takes on the role of a lifetime with several projects under his belt, including "The Shannara Chronicles," "Arrow," "Switched at Birth," "The Carrie Diaries" and "Life Unexpected," among other films and television shows.
However, this will be his biggest role to date.
Here's what to know about the actor who will play the King:
Butler beat out names like Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller and Harry Styles, who were also rumored to be in the running for the role
In a statement to Deadline, Luhrmann opened up on the casting process for the role.
"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," he continued.
"I had 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," Luhrmann said.
Butler shared the exciting announcement on his Instagram page, making his caption a lyric to the King's 1956 hit "Love Me Tender."
“You have made my life complete, and I love you so," he wrote.
Butler's longtime girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens couldn't be more excited
Butler has reportedly been dating actress Vanessa Hudgens since 2012. She expressed how thrilled she is for him to land the leading role in an Instagram post.
"I AMMMM OVERRRR THE F------ MOOOOOOOOONNNNN," she wrote. "I CANT WAIT 😍😍😍😍😍😍 SO PROUD OF MY HONEYYYYY!!!"
Many of the couple's friends commented with congratulatory remarks on her post.
"He deserves this!!! I’m so proud to see him doing what he loves to do! He’s so inspiring!!" actress Ashley Tisdale wrote. "So so so amazing!!! Congrats!!!" Lily Collins added.
Butler's recent Broadway performance impressed Luhrmann -- but it's not his first time on the stage
The actor made his Broadway debut in 2014 in "Death of the Author" but starred more recently in the revival of Eugene O’Neill’s "The Iceman Cometh," alongside Denzel Washington and David Morse.
He'll make an appearance in a highly anticipated summer Blockbuster
Butler will appear in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film, "Once Upon a Time In Hollywood," which premieres July 26.
He portrays convicted murderer Charles "Tex" Watson, a member of Charles Manson's cult.
Butler will appear with a big star in the Elvis biopic
Tom Hanks will reportedly play Elvis' former manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Not much else is known about the film, but Luhrmann continues to update his social account with research and minor updates on the project.
"I want to invite you along on this next creative journey. Stay tuned..." he told fans in April about the film.
