Top Stories

Priscilla Presley Had Doubts About Austin Butler Playing Elvis

Priscilla Presley Had Doubts About Austin Butler Playing Elvis

Priscilla Presley just wasn’t quite sure about Austin Butler after he’d been cast as her late, ex-husband, Elvis Presley for Elvis.

According to director Baz Lurhmann, he shared that the 77-year-old was actually “cynical” of the young actor taking on the role.

Keep reading to find out more…

While chatting with Entertainment Tonight, Baz said that casting the King of Rock n’ Roll was a challenge, and the first screening that he showed to Priscilla was the most “nerve-wracking” screening of his entire career.

“[Priscilla] was quite cynical about how this young kid could, in fact, manifest her husband,” he said. “I remember Priscilla said, ‘I know I was hard on you,’ she wrote me an email… She said, ‘Every wink, every move, if my husband was here he would say, ‘Hot damn, you are me!””

He added that Priscilla also asked him about how Austin knew “‘about Elvis’ rage, his stillness, his inner life, his complex inner life?’ Because that’s not out there. That’s not in a biography.”

Baz then spoke very highly of Austin‘s capability to play the late musician.

“I think you can’t overstate the level of acting achievement for Austin Butler,” he said. “I’ve been around it a long time and even I’m a bit mystified by what he achieved — and I was there!”

Austin was recently nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal.

Many of the Presley family members have opened up about how they reacted and felt after watching the movie for the first time.

Just Jared on Facebook