Baz Luhrmann Explains Why He Didn’t Cast Harry Styles In Elvis

Baz Luhrmann has revealed why he didn’t cast Harry Styles in his forthcoming biopic Elvis, and instead picked Austin Butler for the titular role. 

Last month, Styles told Howard Stern that he’d auditioned to play Elvis Presley, but his audition was ultimately unsuccessful.

Now, iconic director Luhrmann has opened up about opting for Butler over the former One Direction star, explaining: “The real issue with Harry is, he’s Harry Styles.”

Luhrmann, who was speaking on the Fitzy & Wippa podcast this week, said in full: “Harry is a really talented actor. I would work on something with him [but] he’s already an icon.”

Luhrmann went on: “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.”

Speaking on Stern’s SiriusXM show in May, Styles said he was ‘intrigued’ by the role, but added: “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.”

The popstar went on: “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.”

While Butler takes on the role of The King in Luhrmann’s upcoming blockbuster, Tom Hanks will portray Presley’s infamous manager Colonel Tom Parker. 

Olivia DeJonge, best known for Netflix’s The Society, will play Elvis’s wife Priscilla. 

The film will map the life and career of rock and roll icon Presley, from his early years in Memphis to his rise to stardom.

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Early screenings have floored critics, and Luhrmann’s film has even gone down a storm with Presley’s own family members.

Following the trailer’s release last month, Priscilla, who was married to the music icon between 1967 and 1973, took to Twitter to express just how much she loved the film.

Priscilla wrote on 5 May: “I’ve seen Elvis the film, I watched the trailer over a dozen times. But the words I heard from my daughter on how much she loved the film and that Riley [Elvis’ granddaughter] will love it too when she sees it brought tears.

“I relived every moment in this film. It took me a few days to overcome the emotions as it did with Lisa [Elvis’ daughter]. Beautifully done Baz, Tom, Austin and Olivia.”

Elvis is set for release on 24 June.

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