In a recent interview, actor Austin Butler addressed the controversy surrounding his reference to his former girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens as a 'friend.' The comment, made during The Hollywood Reporter's 2023 actor roundtable, received backlash as fans felt it downplayed their nine-year-long relationship. However, Butler has now clarified his intentions behind the statement.
During the roundtable discussion, Butler was asked about his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the upcoming Baz Luhrmann film. He shared an anecdote about a friend suggesting he should play the iconic musician. Just a month prior, while admiring Christmas lights with this friend, a Christmas song by Elvis came on the radio, and his friend commented on his suitability for the role. Shortly after this incident, Butler received a call from his agent confirming Luhrmann's Elvis film project.
Many people speculated that the 'friend' Butler mentioned was Vanessa Hudgens, as she had posted on Instagram celebrating his casting as Elvis. Fans believed that by referring to Hudgens as a friend, Butler was disregarding the significance of their past relationship. However, in a recent cover story for Esquire, Butler explained that his intention was to respect Hudgens' privacy and avoid delving into personal matters that might have affected her.
Butler expressed his deep love and care for Hudgens, clarifying that his comment was not meant to diminish their connection. He further emphasized the importance of privacy, expressing his reluctance to invade anyone else's personal life. It appears that Butler's intention was to maintain a level of discretion and protect both his and Hudgens' privacy.
The Esquire profile also delved into other aspects of Butler's life and career. The actor opened up about the turmoil he experienced when his mother passed away from cancer in 2014. At that time, Butler considered quitting acting due to the emotional toll it took on him. However, encouraged by his friend Ashley Tisdale, he realized his mother would want him to continue pursuing his passion.
Although Butler found himself deeply immersed in the role of Elvis Presley during the filming of the biopic, he faced the challenge of reacquainting himself with his own identity once production ended. He confessed to needing time to rediscover who he truly was outside of the character he had embodied for an extended period. With the help of a dialect coach, Butler worked to shed his Elvis persona and embrace his authentic self.
Additionally, Butler discussed his involvement in the highly anticipated film Dune: Part Two, where he portrays the ruthless assassin Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. Collaborating with director Denis Villeneuve, Butler actively contributed to crafting his character's appearance, which entails a bald head, black-painted teeth, and the absence of eyebrows. He also convinced Villeneuve to allow him to adopt a specific accent for the role, further deepening his portrayal.
Butler's commitment to his craft and his willingness to question and explore different aspects of his characters have not gone unnoticed by his fellow actors. Timothée Chalamet, his co-star in Dune: Part Two, praised Butler's dedication and described him as constantly seeking and experimenting rather than pretending to have all the answers.
As fans eagerly await the release of both the Elvis biopic and Dune: Part Two, Austin Butler continues to evolve as an actor, immersing himself in challenging roles and exploring new dimensions to his craft. With his dedication, genuine passion, and respect for privacy, Butler has proven himself to be a versatile and talented performer in Hollywood's ever-evolving landscape.
