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Baz Luhrmann is releasing his first film in almost a decade, and it is a biopic on the acclaimed American singer and actor, 'King of Rock and Roll', Elvis Aaron Presley. It is to be released in theaters this year, June 23rd.There has been some recent controversial opinions after Harry Style recently opened up that he did not get the part in the movie, leading many fans to already be rather disappointed with Baz Luhrmann. However, the reason he was rejected might not be what you think.
Why Was Harry Styles Rejected To Play The Role Of Elvis Presley?
On the 18th of May 2022, Harry Styles appeared on Howard Stern's SiriusXM show. Within the interview, he discusses how he felt compelled to audition for Baz Luhrmann's upcoming movie.
“I was very intrigued by it … I feel like if a director feels like I’m not the best person for the role then it’s better for them and it’s better for me ... If they think the movie’s going to be better with someone else then I don’t want to do it because I don’t want to be the not as-good version.” - Harry Styles said in an Interview with Howard Stern.
He clarified that he was not upset about not being cast in the movie, agreeing that he does not particularly look alike to Elvis Presley. The question arises, why did Harry Styles, an esteemed musician and talented actor, not get the part? The reason comes down to something rather positive, despite meaning Harry not getting the chance to play the part of one of his idols.
Baz Luhrmann discussed his casting decisions for his Elvis biopic in an Australian breakfast radio show called Fitzy and Wippa on NovaFM. He told the hosts that the reason Harry Styles wasn't chosen for the titular role of Elvis Presley was simply because he is already an icon. Audiences watching the movie would focus more on the eminent pop musician and actor rather than the focus of the biopic, which is the story of Elvis.
"Harry is a really talented actor. I would work on something with him ... the real issue with Harry is, he's Harry Styles ... He's already an icon. Harry and I came to a place, genuinely I mean, he was just 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." - Baz Luhrmann said in the Fitzy and Wippa radio show.
So, if not Harry Styles, then who will be playing the titular role of Elvis Presley? The answer is no other than Austin Butler!
The Cast Of The New Elvis Movie
The Elvis biopic cast includes Austin Butler as Elvis Presley, Tom Hanks as Elvis's manager, Tom Parker, Olivia DeJonge as Elvis's wife, Priscilla Presley, Stranger Things star Dacre Motgomery as Steve Binder and many more. Despite fans being disappointed that Harry did not get the part, Austin Butler's performance is receiving widespread acclaim already. Luhrmann discusses Butler's effort and dedication as he spent "two years nonstop, living and breathing Elvis".
He also stated that he did not put Butler through a traditional auditioning process, and that him getting the part seemed to be a simple instance of kismet.
"The thing about Aust was that he will tell you himself, I didn’t pick him, it’s as if he was drawn like the role drew them in because he was almost born to play it" - Baz Luhrmann
Luhrmann further described the strenuous process he put Butler through to create Elvis authentically with a genuine tone. He pushed him hard enough so that Elvis wasn't simply being portrayed, but his essence was being lived and performed by someone who is incredibly in tune with him.
"I received this videotape of this young man in a flood of tears playing 'Unchained Melody' and I thought, 'Wow, what is that? How is that happening?' And then I got a call from Denzel Washington, who gave me a cold call. I did not know Denzel. And he said, 'I've just worked with this guy on stage. I've never seen a work ethic like it.' And I'm like, 'Okay, I must see him.' Honestly, I put him through the wringer, but he lived Elvis. What he's managed to do is not do an impersonation, but to live Elvis, to the extent that he's humanized him." - Baz Luhrmann
Not only did Butler beat Styles for the title role of Elvis, but he was also chosen over Ansel Elgort and Miles Teller.
What's Next For Harry Styles's Acting Career?
Although Harry Styles will not be playing Elvis in Baz Lurhmann's film, fans will face no shortage of his presence in cinema. These upcoming months will feature a multitude of movies with Harry on the silver screen. He was cast as the lead of two films: Olivia Wilde's psychological thriller titled Dont Worry Darling, which is coming out on the 23rd of September, alongside a romantic drama titled My Policeman, coming out sometime in the fall.
He is also joining the Marvel cinematic universe, playing the character Eros, also known as Starfox. He has only appeared in the mid-credits scene during the end of the movie, but this paves the expectation for his appearance in the following movies.
What are your thoughts? Do you think that Harry Styles should have been cast as Elvis Presley, or are you satisfied with Austin Butler snagging the part?
