From being hospitalized after Elvis to performing his own brutal stunts, Austin Butler shares why he avoids the “method actor” tag while embracing complete immersion in his roles.
Washington, DC [US], August 30: Hollywood’s rising star Austin Butler has often been branded a method actor, but the Golden Globe winner insists that the term doesn’t define him. Despite his obsessive dedication to characters—whether living with an Elvis Presley accent for years or pushing his body to the edge—Butler believes what he does is far more personal than a label.
His reputation as a method performer began with Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 musical biopic Elvis, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. The transformation was so consuming that Butler’s body shut down immediately after filming, landing him in the hospital. He even needed a dialect coach to break free from Presley’s voice, which had become ingrained after three years of preparation.
“I never have used the word ‘method,’” Butler said. “That word gets thrown around a lot. It’s a very misunderstood thing that isn’t really what I do. For me, it’s more about immersing myself fully.”
Now, Butler is set to return to the big screen in Darren Aronofsky’s gritty crime drama, set in 1998 New York City. He plays Hank Thompson, a former high school baseball prodigy whose career is cut short by a devastating car accident. Reduced to bartending in the Lower East Side, Hank’s life spirals when he agrees to take care of his neighbor Russ’ (Matt Smith) cat—an innocent favor that entangles him with violent criminals.
Butler didn’t shy away from the physical toll of the role either. He performed his own stunts—escaping cars chasing him, taking brutal beatings, and even being slammed onto wooden tables. In fact, during a fight sequence, he reportedly asked co-star Nikita Kukushkin to “kick me harder” for authenticity.
The film also features a powerhouse cast including Zoë Kravitz as Butler’s love interest, Regina King as Detective Roman, and crime bosses and hitmen brought to life by Bad Bunny, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Kukushkin.
Reflecting on his process, Butler admitted his intensity comes from passion rather than a rigid acting philosophy:
“Sometimes when I get really scared, I can become incredibly obsessive. And when I really love something, I can become incredibly obsessive. But for me, it’s about finding balance—being present in the work but also with the people I love.”
With Aronofsky’s film set to challenge Butler both physically and emotionally, fans are eager to see how the actor continues to redefine Hollywood’s perception of dedication, obsession, and authenticity on screen.