Harry Styles auditioned for the role of Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic of the same name and was ultimately turned down. Now, “Elvis” director Baz Luhrmann has revealed why Styles couldn’t be considered for the lead role. Luhrmann also talked about Austin Butler, the film’s lead actor.
Only words of praise for Styles
In a recent interview with Fitzy & Wippa (as reported by Billboard) Luhrmann expressed his appreciation for Harry Styles. At the same time, Luhrmann explained that, in his view, Styles’ status as a musical icon made it impossible to play Elvis Presley:
“Harry is a really talented actor. I would work with him on something, but the real problem with Harry is that he’s Harry Styles. He’s already an icon. Harry and I got to a point where he was really desperate to put the suit on and explore. He’s such a great spirit and I have nothing but great things to say about Harry Styles.”
Luhrman on Austin Butler
In addition, Luhrmann was happy about the cast of the main protagonist. Austin Butler was made for the role of the king. Additionally, the director saw parallels in the lives of Butler and Presley:
“The thing about Austin Butler is that he’ll tell you himself that I didn’t choose him: it’s like he was drawn to the role the way the role drew her because he was almost born to.” to play them. You know, we can talk about it now – he lost his mother at the same age as Elvis. He sent me a video of this thing and he’s been living and breathing as Elvis non-stop for the past two years. Austin is going through a kind of deprogramming now because he hasn’t known who he is for a long time.”