Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis marked a pivotal moment in his career, catapulting him to stardom while reintroducing The King to a new generation of fans. Butler’s transformation into the legendary rock ‘n’ roll icon stunned audiences and critics alike, but what many don’t realize is that Butler isn’t the first actor to take on the daunting challenge of playing Elvis on the big screen.

In fact, Butler is only the second actor in cinematic history to be tasked with embodying Presley in a major motion picture—a rare honor and a significant responsibility. Let’s explore how Austin Butler took on this challenge and what makes his portrayal stand out compared to past interpretations.

The First: Kurt Russell as Elvis Presley (1979)
Before Austin Butler donned the sequined jumpsuit, another well-known actor took on the role of Elvis Presley—Kurt Russell. In 1979, Russell starred in Elvis, a made-for-TV movie directed by John Carpenter. At the time, Russell was already an established actor, and his performance as Elvis was highly praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. The film aired just two years after Presley’s death, so the memory of Elvis was still fresh in the minds of many viewers.

Russell’s portrayal was widely considered respectful and heartfelt, capturing both the charisma and vulnerability of Elvis. While the production was made for television, Russell’s performance left a lasting impression, and the film garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for several awards. Russell’s Elvis was marked by a focus on his emotional struggles, showcasing the man behind the legend.

The Second: Austin Butler’s Transformative Performance
Fast forward more than 40 years, and Austin Butler took on the role of Elvis Presley in a very different context. By 2022, Elvis Presley had become an enduring cultural icon, but his life story had also been explored and re-examined countless times in documentaries, books, and TV specials. The challenge for Butler—and for director Baz Luhrmann—was to present a fresh, nuanced take on Presley that resonated with contemporary audiences while honoring the complexities of his life.

Butler’s preparation for the role was intense. He spent months studying Elvis’s mannerisms, speech patterns, and singing style to fully immerse himself in the role. What made Butler’s portrayal so special was his commitment to not just imitate Elvis, but to bring a sense of humanity and authenticity to the character. Butler captured the energy, raw talent, and passion that made Elvis a global sensation, but he also delved into the emotional turmoil and internal conflicts that plagued Presley throughout his career.

Critics and fans alike were blown away by Butler’s transformation. His portrayal was not a mere impersonation, but a deep exploration of the pressures Elvis faced as an artist, the struggles with his identity, and his rise and eventual downfall in the entertainment industry. Butler’s ability to perform many of Elvis’s iconic songs himself further added to the authenticity of his performance, blending seamlessly with the real Elvis recordings used in the film.

A New Perspective on Elvis
What sets Butler’s portrayal apart from previous interpretations—most notably Kurt Russell’s—is the cinematic scale and emotional complexity brought to the story. Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis isn’t just a biopic; it’s an immersive experience that blends musical performances with a dramatic exploration of the man behind the fame. The film dives into Elvis’s relationship with his controversial manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks), as well as his rise to superstardom and the personal struggles that came with it.

Luhrmann’s distinct, high-energy style allowed for a creative reimagining of Elvis’s world, while Butler’s performance grounded the film in emotional realism. The movie paints a larger-than-life portrait of Elvis’s influence on music and culture, but it also emphasizes his vulnerability, loneliness, and desire to break free from the constraints imposed on him by fame and industry pressures.

The Impact of Butler’s Performance
For Austin Butler, playing Elvis Presley was a career-defining role. His performance earned him widespread critical acclaim, and he quickly became a front-runner during the 2023 awards season, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Butler’s dedication to the role also captured the attention of Elvis fans, some of whom were initially skeptical about anyone being able to do justice to Presley’s legacy.

Butler’s Elvis wasn’t just a portrayal of a musical legend—it was a layered, deeply emotional performance that resonated with audiences of all ages. Younger viewers who may not have been familiar with Elvis’s legacy were introduced to The King through Butler’s portrayal, while longtime fans saw shades of the Elvis they remembered, brought to life in a new and compelling way.

A Rare Honor
Only a handful of actors have been given the opportunity to play Elvis Presley on screen, making Austin Butler’s role even more significant. Following in the footsteps of Kurt Russell, Butler had big shoes to fill, but his portrayal has set a new benchmark for how the legacy of Elvis can be captured in film.

Playing such an iconic figure is a rare honor and an immense challenge. However, Austin Butler’s success in the role proves that while Elvis Presley’s image and music have become larger than life, there are still new and meaningful ways to explore his story.

Conclusion
Austin Butler’s performance as Elvis Presley is not just a cinematic triumph, but a testament to the enduring legacy of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Butler’s portrayal, alongside Kurt Russell’s earlier performance, adds a new dimension to how we understand Elvis’s life and career. With Butler’s take on Elvis, a new generation has been introduced to the legend, while longtime fans are reminded of the man behind the icon. As the second actor to play Elvis on the big screen, Butler’s achievement stands as a remarkable contribution to both his own career and to preserving the cultural impact of Elvis Presley for years to come.