Baz Luhrmann’s epic biopic following the King of Rock and Roll debuted at Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2022. Elvis was received graciously by audiences and garnered a record-breaking 12-minute standing ovation. The Presley family also showered the film, cast, and crew with praise and support. Despite its positive reception from audiences, Elvis proved to be a divisive film for critics. David Erlich of IndieWire called the film a “159-minute eyesore” and cited Luhrmann as “one of the most irrepressible maximalists the movies have ever known” in a biting review. Meanwhile, Charles Taylor of Esquire gave the film a glowing review, stating, “What Luhrmann sets out to do, and what he accomplishes so thrillingly, is to make the shock of Elvis once again fresh” and “Luhrmann doesn’t allow us to affect cool at what shocked the conservative 50s. This is shocking”.
Regardless of where critics stood on the film itself, nearly all agreed Austin Butler skillfully captured the essence of Elvis. Butler earned high praise for his role as The King, with critics describing his performance as “charismatic”, “magnetic” and “stunning.” Butler's performance has also stirred up Oscar Buzz for the 2023 awards season. A relatively unknown actor at the time, he rose above four other casting hopefuls to land his breakthrough role as the iconic Elvis Presley. After a grueling 5-month long audition process, that involved multiple meetings, singing performances, and screen tests, Luhrmann offered the role to Butler. His performance has received such positive reception, it is bizarre to imagine anyone else in the role. However, studios were courting four other well-known celebrities as Elvis hopefuls. Here are four other actors almost cast as The King in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic.
Ansel Elgort
The star of The Fault in Our Stars Ansel Elgort may not look much like Elvis, but similar to the other four actors in contention for the role, he had the performance background required for the part. His strong performance background started with theater schools and stage productions, and eventually Elgort starred in Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of West Side Story, wherein he proved his musical talent. Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent sexual assault allegations against Elgort, the film was ultimately a box-office flop.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson was a serious contender for the King of Rock and Roll as he not only had singing talent, but also had previous experience playing a musical icon. In the 2009 musical drama Nowhere Boy, Taylor-Johnson starred as a rebellious teenage John Lennon. The film follows Lennon as he connects with his birth mother and starts his own band. This band would eventually become The Beatles. Taylor-Johnson may not have won the role of Elvis, but you can next catch him in the upcoming films Kraven the Hunter and The Fall Guy, set for release in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He is also rumored to be in consideration to play the next James Bond.
Miles Teller
Miles Teller was a top fan choice for the role of Elvis. At the time of the international casting call for the part, fans were abuzz posting side-by-side comparisons of the Top Gun: Maverick star next to the iconic crooner Presley. There is no denying Teller has the right look to play the part, however, Luhrmann was looking for someone who could perfectly capture the essence of Elvis to bring his vision to life. Teller will next star in the Apple original film The Gorge, opposite Anya Taylor-Joy.
Harry Styles
Former One Direction band member and budding actor Harry Styles was considered for the role of Elvis Presley. Styles was reportedly courted for the role because of his singing ability and experience in the music industry. Ironically, it was also his status as a pop icon that ultimately cost him the role. Styles may have Elvis' good looks and ability to croon, however, he is arguably the most famous popstar in the world, and Luhrmann was concerned his notoriety would overshadow the role and undermine the story he was trying to tell. Styles' most recent performances can be seen in the controversy-riddled psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling on HBO Max and My Policeman on Prime Video.