In the highly anticipated historical drama series Masters of the Air, actor Austin Butler faced numerous challenges while transitioning from his role as Elvis in the film Elvis to his character in the show. Co-stars Callum Turner and Butler shed light on the difficulties Butler faced during the filming process.
After wrapping up his demanding role as the iconic Elvis Presley, Butler found himself grappling with an unidentifiable illness that required hospitalization. Despite this setback, he had to quickly shift focus and begin filming for Masters of the Air. Turner commended Butler for his exceptional ability to switch mindsets from portraying someone as legendary as Elvis to his character in the show.
Turner expressed his admiration, saying, 'I can't imagine spending so much time with someone as iconic as Elvis and then whiplash into another show. For me, I don't know Elvis. I know him as Cleven. It's a testament to his craft and how hard he works.'
Meanwhile, Butler described the challenge of finding himself on the set of Masters of the Air, stating, 'I was just trying to remember who I was. I hardly remember filming that [Masters of the Air]. Almost the full year that I was in London.'
Butler's journey to the leading role in Elvis was preceded by a supporting role in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which served as a stepping stone to recognition in the film industry. His portrayal of Elvis earned him accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and a Golden Globe win for Best Actor - Drama.
However, despite his success, Butler struggled to shed the distinctive Elvis voice he had honed for the role. Months after wrapping up the film, he was still frequently associated with the King of Rock and Roll due to the lingering timbre and Southern accent in his speech. Although praised for his dedication, Butler also faced mockery for the persistence of the Elvis persona in his interviews and public appearances.
If this association was still apparent during awards shows, one can only imagine the difficulty Butler faced just days after completing the film when he had to immerse himself in a new character for Masters of the Air. Nonetheless, as a true testament to his craft, Butler's portrayal of Cleven in the series appears to be distinct from Elvis, helping him to establish a different reputation in the industry and redefine himself as an actor.
Masters of the Air, an original war drama series available on Apple TV+, boasts a stellar cast including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, and Barry Keoghan. The show follows eleven World War II pilots as they combat German fighters in the bomber aircraft called 'The Flying Fortress.' Created by John Shiban and John Orloff, the series is based on Donald L. Miller's book, Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany.
With the release of its fourth episode on February 9, Masters of the Air continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and outstanding performances. So, if you haven't already, make sure to tune in to this gripping and historically significant series on Apple TV+.
