Baz Luhrmann has shared why he didn't cast Harry Styles in his Elvis biopic. The director considered the former One Direction star to play Presley before the iconic part went to Austin Butler.
Luhrmann explained how they had a meeting during the casting process where Styles was keen to "put the suit on". Although the Moulin Rouge director told Australian podcast Fitzy & Wippa that the singer’s "icon" status was ultimately what lost him the part.
"Harry is a really talented actor," Luhrmann said. "I would work on something with him [but] the real issue with Harry is, he’s Harry Styles. He’s already an icon. 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."
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Other stars rumored to have been considered for the role included Ansel Elgort and Miles Teller. However, it was former Disney Channel star Butler who nabbed the part – and he’s been getting stellar reviews as the king of rock-and-roll. The Total Film review called him a "revelation" with his "Best Actor chatter starting here".
Styles has a few movie roles upcoming. He'll be seen in Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling in September alongside Florence Pugh. He’s also got a role in the upcoming adaptation of My Policeman opposite The Crown actor Emma Corrin.
Elvis is due to be released on June 24 in the UK and the US. Check out our guide to all of the upcoming 2022 movie release dates confirmed so far.
