If this young actor became a star 4 years ago, it's thanks to Denzel Washington's recommendation who had "never seen" anything like it in his life!

Thanks to the unexpected intervention of Denzel Washington, a young, unknown actor saw his career take a turn. Impressed by his rare professionalism, he did not hesitate to recommend him for a role that would change his life…

Before even becoming a global star, Austin Butler received unexpected support from Denzel Washington. The Oscar-winning actor was profoundly struck by the seriousness and rigor of his young co-star, to the point of personally recommending him for a major role.

This admiration was born during their collaboration on stage in the play The Ice Merchants. Washington, impressed by what he described as a rare discipline, did not hesitate to contact director Baz Luhrmann to praise Butler's qualities, who was still relatively unknown to the general public.

A Strong Testimony from Baz Luhrmann

The Australian director himself confirmed this exceptional endorsement in the press documents for the film Elvis. He recounts receiving an unexpected call from Denzel Washington.

“I then received a call from Denzel, whom I did not know, to tell me how much this young man had a work ethic he had never seen before.”

Beyond this recommendation, the actor also emphasized Austin Butler's ability to endure the long hours of preparation, physical transformation, and makeup required for the role.

A Total Immersion into the Role of Elvis

To impress during auditions, Austin Butler left nothing to chance. Long before being officially chosen, he immersed himself in intensive preparation surrounding the figure of Elvis Presley.

“I became completely obsessed with Elvis's world. I started reading and watching everything I could about Elvis's life, his friends, his relationships. I only listened to his music. Even before the auditions, I sent Baz [Luhrmann] a video of me playing the piano and singing Unchained Melody.”

This extreme involvement was one of the key elements of his selection for the lead role in the biopic Elvis.

Warner Bros. Pictures

A Grueling Physical Transformation

The actor also had to undergo a significant physical transformation, particularly to portray Elvis in the later years of his life. The experience, very intense, left a profound mark on him.

“When I put on that bulky costume, it really felt very heavy. (…) My lungs were compressed, I could only breathe shallowly, and I was really very hot. It gave a feeling of claustrophobia and made me deeply sad, as Elvis must have felt the same way.”

A Role That Propels His Career

Released in 2022 and directed by Baz Luhrmann, Elvis traces the trajectory of the legendary singer, from his beginnings to his passing in 1977. The film was widely successful in theaters, attracting over 1.2 million viewers and receiving an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 from AlloCiné audiences.

Austin Butler's performance was widely praised by critics, allowing him to win several prestigious awards, including the Golden Globes and BAFTA for Best Actor. He was also nominated for an Oscar in 2023, but the statuette ultimately went to Brendan Fraser for his role in The Whale.

Today, the biopic Elvis remains available on VOD, allowing audiences to rediscover this acclaimed performance and Austin Butler's impressive transformation into the King.