Austin Butler on ‘Elvis,’ ‘Dune: Part Two,’ and Oscar Buzz

Austin Butler is building Oscars buzz for his lead performance in “Elvis”-the peak of an inspiring journey that started with background and one-line roles in children’s TV.
"I look back on Nickelodeon shows or Disney things that I did, and... even though my skill wasn't there, I still had a mentality of wanting to give the energy of if I was gonna go make ‘Raging Bull,’ '' he says. “I just kept that sort of fierce dedication towards trying to find more truth."
In this episode of In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast, Butler dives deep into that same fierce dedication he brought to “Elvis,” how he’s preparing for “Dune: Part Two,” and what he’s learned from Denzel Washington, Quentin Tarantino, and Baz Luhrmann.
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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Vinnie Mancuso, senior editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: bit.ly/2OMryWQ
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Special thanks to...
- Host: Vinnie Mancuso
- Producer: Jamie Muffett
- Social media: Katie Minard, Karen Jenkins
- Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins
- Additional support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis

[@susanbarco2579]

I don’t think I’ve ever been so impressed with someone I’ve never met. Congratulations, Austin, on a monumental change to your career. Hoping your life will be everything you want it to be.

[@freesimorgh]

I would love to meet him and be his best friend!

[@edm5378]

I'm just glad to see an actor + project get so serious about American history + culture again.

[@cryforthemoon]

Listening to Austin speak is always a pleasure. He has depth of thought and reverence for his craft. He never takes anything or anyone along his way for granted.

[@MalloryNewcomb]

Absolutely! I can’t wait until he’s in the position of Mr Tom Hanks, and he’s speaking as an elder in the field… he already has so much wisdom & passion.

[@valerielove9837]

Well said!!!

[@ritahiggison1357]

Don’t wish age on him yet,let him enjoy his youth . He strikes me as the perfect man.

[@MalloryNewcomb]

@@ritahiggison1357 actually I don’t. Just really look forward to the media giving him a bit more recognition for his talent instead of the same tired and inaccurate jokes about his voice. Excited he’s got more movies coming out this year No one is perfect, but kind of like his friend Timothée Chalamet he embodies a gentle form of masculinity that is very desirable and the ladies really respond to it that’s for sure!

[@annethurgood8340]

​@@MalloryNewcomb 5u

[@teixeiraangel]

I could listen to Austin talk forever.

[@theresamacias291]

Fast forward, you kicked hosting SNL off the charts. Congratulations! 🎉🤜🍾📺👍

[@christineelio8269]

I find Austin to be a very articulate speaker. He is very respectful and humble. He is honestly humble for all his success He is a very dedicated actor. Of course he is devastatingly georgeous. His career will skyrocket. His role portraying Elvis was outstanding!!!

[@DYA9091]

Austin is massively talented, magnificent man, absolute genius.

[@moorejazznow]

This is a wonderful, kind young man. I love to hear all interviews he gives, he is such a special person.

[@valerielove9837]

I like how when he was asked about giving advice to other actors starting out. Wise words.

[@karenjanicehollick1545]

He talks with great depth , for a young man

[@mariloumartin8230]

He's the greatest. Can't wait for awards . He will win all of them.

[@Verbsdescribeus]

Elvis made me go to 8 different cinemas to watch it :) Everyone involved into this masterpiece should get an Oscar!

[@marymele6050]

Yes. Everyone

[@joannemurdock7899]

CONGRATULATIONS AUSTIN ON WINNING THE AACTA AWARD IN AUSTRALIA For BEST ACTIR!

[@JoleneKary]

What a great person Austin Butler is!!

[@user-jt4uu4ud7v]

Could listen to him for hours❤

[@jakelinegalacha3321]

Excellent interview. I wish the world can watch and listen to him. He is such an amazing, talented actor. He deserves all the awards!

[@annethurgood8340]

😊😊

[@pepperminttree]

I've watched/ listened to way more Austin interviews than I'd like to admit lol, but he's phenomenal and I love hearing his advice and thoughts on acting as a craft. Im so excited for his new projects especially dune with zendaya and the bikeriders with mike faist!

[@poodlemom5883]

Austin is just as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside. I do hope he doesn’t change since he became so famous. I hope he’s smart enough to say no to the drugs.❤

[@lifeissweet9826]

Saw SNL and it was a big success!

[@christineelio8269]

AUSTIN IS SPECIAL.

[@joannemurdock7899]

AUSTIN YOU DERSERVE THE OSCAR

[@andiwelty4299]

Loved this interview! Amazing. Truly Original. So much new, deep info. And very impressive probing & unusual questions. Great job! Austin’s STAR has escaped Earth’s atmosphere. He’s already one of the Greats in my book. Love & Blessings to everyone involved in this episode. I’m a big fan & will be back!

[@priscillaaa_j]

WARNING: I have SO MUCH comments, and a question but firstly, I just want to say that this was such an amazing interview. A couple of things that stood out to me were: 1. The fact that Austin is probably one of the most grateful actors ever. He knows what has been set up for him, he is aware of all the opportunities that help structure his path, and he never speaks of anything without sharing his gratitude. 2. With that, you also note his passion. When hearing him talk about that 8 month period where he didn't do anything and the sole reason for that break was being the fact he didn't feel challenged enough, or that it was what he wanted to do, I admire the way he took time to take a step back and question motives and everything surrounding him, before the opportunity for the Iceman Cometh came into play. He respected time and motives, which is something incredibly remarkable. 3. I loved the fact that when the interviewer was asking about Elvis, you almost would think it would be the same questions Austin has always got, but he managed to score and ask very deep and specified questions that I haven't heard anyone ask, which is so refreshing. (yet all the press interviews were fine too, I enjoy them just as well!) 4. When Austin asked if he should tell his dog to be quiet was the cutest thing ever he asked it so gently like that was so cute 🤭 5. The one question I was wondering for the interviewer was whether or not those questions were scripted. It doesn't feel like they are because of the way he managed to navigate everything talked about into conversation, and with that there would be transitions from what Austin was saying, to the next question. It all happened to smoothly, and because I just have this passion for interviewing I want to know how was this interview prepared for, because really this interviewer was great. 6. Finally, last comment: Austin's advice at the end is something that anyone can take in, not just for acting, but in everything. You can see the amount of advice he's gotten over his years and how much he's allowed his work ethic to push open many doors of opportunities in his life, yet at the same time, it's so evident that Austin is not in it for the surrounding noise and fame, but the art. He has such a passion for acting and it's something he loves and cherishes. I feel like I can take this advice for what I'm doing in school, or just what anyone else is doing in everything. It's important to work hard and be in something for the work and not the surrounding noise. Also it was so sweet when he wished our dreams would come true. This interview was just amazing. Thank you both for this incredible conversation. It's insightful and just overall so great to hear. One of my favorites for sure :))))

[@MalloryNewcomb]

Love all the comments Priscilla! You keep sharing girl & I think you deserve to get 45 minutes with Aus someday yourself! I hear he is very sweet with the fans

[@priscillaaa_j]

@@MalloryNewcomb You are so incredibly sweet, thank you so much. You genuinely made me smile and I wish that you could meet him as well! Thank you so much. 💗💗

[@MalloryNewcomb]

@@priscillaaa_jOh my gosh, I would LOVE to meet him. He talks about wanting to hang with Elvis, I wanna hang with him! I love how down-to-earth he is and remembers how he started because it’s like we get to go on this journey with him as fans. It’s inspired and uplifted me through a very difficult start to graduate school! I’m doing cancer research, I’ll take whatever inspiration I can get & he has delivered in spades. Also I grew up dancing and doing musical theatre so I’m able to appreciate his balance of instinct, artistry and industry.

[@priscillaaa_j]

@@MalloryNewcomb that's so incredible, congrats to all of your schooling! I'm graduating my bachelor's of Counseling right now and going into my Master's, but there's always so much of a passion for sitting down conversations like this with Austin's insight. It's one of those things where being just a fan of Austin limits you to reaching out to him and having those sit-down conversations. But yes, actually getting that chance to meet him would be so good! Wishing that for the both of us.

[@bonnieikamas1201]

God bless this young man; I do believe that he’s “ one in a million”…❤️🙏🌹

[@jeikevanvelthoven6726]

Wow always love hearing AB talk he is really beautiful man inside and out I hope he will always stay this way may he get all of these roles that Austin dreams about I will follow him in everything good luck

[@thedarkbaby]

Dang awesome real interview with insightful questions and answers. Focusing on the work, intellect and spirit of film. Thank you for sharing this

[@gericaccavale9637]

Just so very much enjoyed listening to Austin. Realizing what an intelligent. Driven inspirationsl man he is. His view of himself His life his career aspirations were mind blowing to me knowing him.FIRST as Elvis because I am a die hard Elvis fAn. And was so sceptical as to.who I was going to see. He is definitely a deep individual with the proper outlook on life and I.will definitely be following his.amazing career. Just so thankful that he brought Elvis the entertainer. The Man. Home to the world. Spectacular. So wonderful hearing him delve into the "why.s and where fors" ,of his life ! My bucket list is to one day meet Austin!! I know it probably wont happen but I.can dream. I actUally gave up.acting as a "kid" to get married. Was then accepted into the Academy of Dtamstic Arts in NYC ,and gave it up. Austin. As Elvis would say "hot damn you are me" Thank you for him. I actually think you became ELVIS. Thank you. R

[@susansnow8391]

Listening to Austin talk, discuss his acting adventures and just hearing his voice is mesmerizing to me! To hear him talking about anything just truly makes my day. I have started to listen to his podcasts in the morning, or any other dialogue where he discusses anything he's done or is working on. Listening to him, hearing his voice starts my day in a beautiful way! Thank you Austin 😍✨💖

[@gudrunisoldehaamebauer1098]

He IS An ANGEL..Hop he can HELP the World

[@SteelTreeGone]

There’s a lot of new stars coming out, the men and women, Austin puts all he can into been a great actor. Good man congratulations to you, Austin the best of luck😊

[@ruthnagarya2028]

If you watch the Shannara Chronicles you can see by his acting he was so ready to bust out of Disney roles and such and then Once Upon a Time in Hollywood pops up and he goes full throttle Tex Watson, totally terrifying. Then came ELVIS then The Bikers and Dune 2. Can't wait to see Austin in more movies.

[@gericaccavale9637]

Just so very much enjoyed listening to Austin. Realizing what an intelligent. Driven inspirationsl man he is. His view of himself His life his career aspirations were mo

[@gericaccavale9637]

To continue I gave up acting accepted into Acadamy of Dramatic Arts. NYC to get married. Thank you Austin for bringing Elvis home. HOT DAMN YOU WERE HIM from a LONG to to the world. My bucket.list is to one day meet you. Wishful thinking. Thank you for being you. You have absolutely entiched my life with the Elvis Movie and getting to know who you reAlly are. Doing what Elvis had.always hoped to do. FYI SNL was. Fantastik!

[@gericaccavale9637]

From a LIFE LONG Elvis fan. Now an Austin Butler fan May great things be ahead for you. You so deserve it. Just reminds me of aspirations Elvs had. Your turn Austin

[@carolrice1371]

This is so great! You had our attention from the beginning! Austin shows his admiration for those who have helped him and doesn’t take it for granted! Thank you for this podcast!❤❤❤❤❤

[@patsygerez5525]

He is such a great actor and the camera LOVES HIM ❤

[@i123456987654]

Omg I’m jealous I want to be in Dune Part Two

[@joannemurdock7899]

OSCARS GALLORE FOR ELVIS THE MOVIE IS BRILLIANT AMAZING FANTATIC ARTISTIC SENSATIONAL

[@danielbarrero2815]

I love these interviews!

[@mariafabri491]

Austin ♥♥♥ you're voice is very sweet as sweet as of my lover's voice Elvis Presley ♥♥♥

[@MalloryNewcomb]

As real as donut was when I was like “oh this guy is wild” The commitment

[@_mushhx]

I loved his advice 🥺

[@karenjanicehollick1545]

They are both grounded , nice to see actors with out being showy , no where there roots come from . I like his accent to , he's certainly an actor to follow hope he does well in coming years a career to watch closely

[@mariafabri491]

Austin my love you can't imagine how much I'm lovin you even that I've haven't known you for such a long long time you've stolen My heart ♥ Austin I'm proud of you for everything you do and make my darlin ♥♥♥💋💋💋🌹🌹🌹💘💘💘🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@maxmusic5380]

I want to hug him. We’re so similar.

[@leonorajustice2733]

Just loved this guy ❤

[@cynthiasantos4093]

Great interview!

[@hunterhartlightner131]

Loved it

[@user-zb9vm5nz3s]

Real Austin butler was so amazing wonderful I am wil be make you happy

[@peggycravens3444]

I like your movies of ELVIS PRESLEY you made.

[@newbeeify]

24:30 oh.... Austin actually does a really good voice impression

[@MalloryNewcomb]

What’s wild is how good he is at impressions… cuz his speaking voice is nothing like Tarantino’s but he lifted all that away and it was so accurate

[@cynthiasantos4093]

I know! I also loved his gollum impression at SNL.

[@MalloryNewcomb]

@@cynthiasantos4093And the crowd loved it too

[@edm5378]

He brought Tarantino back to life!

[@Divinitykim]

👏👏👏

[@charlieries-coward8111]

I love to interview Austin Butler on how becomes Elvis to playing evil character in Dune part 2 in his own words 🙂

[@mariafabri491]

May our Heavenly Father Jehovah bless you and be with you always and forever Austin 🥀🥀🥀

[@karenjanicehollick1545]

On his reflection s in life ect interesting

[@deboraribeiro718]

Sei que a cabeça doi e o estômago meio que doi também mas se eu não estou me sentindo muito bem como posso ir ou como posso fica

[@deboraribeiro718]

Posso fica a noite toda se eu quiser sem para por conta de uma dor de cabeça

[@deboraribeiro718]

Como cochila com dor de cabeca

[@emilymathews7073]

He's hot. He just is.

[@karenjanicehollick1545]

His nature is like the late Paul walker , I reckon if he was a live they would of been friends , and him direct him in to fame ect

[@deboraribeiro718]

Hoje acordei meio assim não muito boa

[@sirlyeelmets3800]

🙏🤍💎🤍🙏🍭🍒💥

[@deboraribeiro718]

Da tempo de come e deta fica de bobeira até noite e se eu quizer

[@deboraribeiro718]

Isso pode levar muito tempo se eu fica aqui eu se eu for ia me estica um pouco não vou compra nada muito caro porque a grana está meio curta

[@deboraribeiro718]

Vai que não passa a dor de cabeça até amanhã de manha é um tanto difícil fica a noite toda má também pode ser fácil porque cochila também não é muito facil

[@deboraribeiro718]

Quero dica mas mas é melhor eu para antes que escreva e não queira mas fazer minha cabeça meio que sou ainda

[@LoanShoppingExpert]

Three and a half minutes until the interviewee says a single word. Must your introduction be so long?

[@deboraribeiro718]

Eles vão no mercado podia me arruma e ir junto já que não estou me sentindo muito bem hoje ou Ser a que fico até anoitece amanhã a minha outra irmã vem janta aqui em casa nem se vou poder fica na cama mas tempo como e hoje talvez talvez eles vão mas de bonitão cinco e meia bem na hora de eu coisa termina por isso não podia fica detada mas tempo pprqu e talvez seja o motivo do meu mal estar

[@deboraribeiro718]

Pelo menos ia fica mas fortinha até escurecer

[@deboraribeiro718]

Eles vão bem tarde e vão volta só as sis seis e meia da noite e daí é um pouco frio eu com essa meia dor de cabeça não da se tivesse ficado até meio dia como de costuma dava para ir mas a dor se cabeça não dexa e nem mesmo a dor de estômago podia come alguma coisa e fica detada ate cinco e meia mas eu comi eu tenho café aqui no quarto mas e muito pouco para uma dor de cabeca

[@emilymathews7073]

Same old repetitive questions?

[@coobird1ify]

Nice guy...but he realy thinks he is Elvis. Move onto your next portrayor. You are not Elvis.. He has promise.Try doing James Dean.

[@DYA9091]

How EXACTLY "does he think he is Elvis????