Austin Butler had to make a tough decision: audition for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ or accept Quentin Tarantino’s offer
Actor Austin Butler’s Difficult Decision: Tom Cruise or Quentin Tarantino?
Actor Austin Butler recently discussed a time he had to make a difficult decision between working with Tom Cruise or Quentin Tarantino.
The 32-year-old celebrity revealed what happened during an appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, People reported. Butler, who’s best known for his Oscar-nominated performance in the biopic “Elvis,” clarified the rumors that he’d been up for a part in the blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick.”
“I ended up having to choose between going to the screen test for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ or saying yes to Quentin Tarantino,” he said, explaining how he was set to appear in “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood” at the time.
“I’d already met with [Tarantino], so I did that,” Butler said of how he decided which of the two potentially life-changing options to pick. Butler played Charles “Tex” Watson, a member of Charles Manson’s cult, in Tarantino’s movie.
“Maverick” went on to rake in over $1.4 billion in gross revenue worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 2022 and the highest-grossing of Cruise’s career. This fact doesn’t mean Butler has any regrets, however. He said he wouldn’t have starred opposite Cruise as Rooster anyway. That part wound up going to Miles Teller.
“Top Gun: Maverick” and “Elvis” casting director Denise Chamian told Variety in July 2022 that everything worked out the way it was supposed to.
“The thing that he got the closest to was ‘Top Gun,’” Chamian told the outlet. “When I cast that, we were looking for the role that Miles Teller played. I felt so passionate about Austin. Ultimately, his audition was shown to Tom and all the filmmakers. They agreed he had something and they were happy to know him, but they thought he was too young.”
“At that point, I saw that this actor has something very special that other people don’t always have,” she continued. “It’s almost the way he looks into the camera. He knows the camera and lets the camera see him, and that is really what is so captivating.”
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That audition made her think of Butler for the part of Elvis, which eventually led to him being nominated for an Academy Award for the role.
How does working with Quentin Tarantino on “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood” provide unique opportunities for artistic growth and learning?
,” but his audition for “Top Gun: Maverick” overlapped.
Butler ultimately decided to choose Quentin Tarantino over Tom Cruise. He explained his reasoning, stating, “My thought was, if I could spend the summer working with Quentin Tarantino and the amazing cast that he put together for ‘Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood,’ or if I could spend the rest of the year doing a big 3D action movie with Tom Cruise, which experience would I learn more from — as an actor, as an artist?”
This decision was undoubtedly a difficult one for Butler, as both Tom Cruise and Quentin Tarantino are acclaimed figures in the entertainment industry. Tom Cruise is known for his iconic roles in action films such as the “Mission: Impossible” series, while Quentin Tarantino is celebrated for his unique storytelling and directorial style.
Butler’s choice to work with Tarantino reflects his desire to learn and grow as an actor. The opportunity to work with Tarantino and be part of a film like “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood” provided him with the chance to collaborate with a renowned filmmaker and an all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. The experience of working on a Tarantino set would undoubtedly be valuable for any actor, as his films are known for their distinct style and attention to detail.
On the other hand, working with Tom Cruise in a major action film like “Top Gun: Maverick” would have its own set of benefits. Cruise is known for his dedication and commitment to performing his own stunts, and being part of such a high-profile project would undoubtedly provide valuable exposure and opportunities within the industry. Additionally, the chance to work alongside a legend like Cruise could offer invaluable lessons and insights into the craft of acting.
Ultimately, Butler’s decision to choose Quentin Tarantino over Tom Cruise highlights the importance of personal growth and artistic development for actors. While it may have been tempting to opt for the guaranteed success and exposure that comes with a Tom Cruise film, he recognized the unique opportunity to learn and immerse himself in Tarantino’s creative world.
It is commendable that Butler prioritized his artistic journey and the chance to work with a visionary director like Tarantino. In making this difficult decision, he demonstrated the courage to follow his passion and pursue experiences that will push his boundaries as an actor.
In conclusion, the choice between working with Tom Cruise and Quentin Tarantino was undoubtedly a challenging one for Austin Butler. Despite the allure of a blockbuster action film, Butler prioritized the opportunity to work with a renowned director and be part of a critically acclaimed film. This decision showcases his commitment to personal growth and artistic development in his career. It will be fascinating to see the impact of this choice on Butler’s future projects and the growth he will undoubtedly experience as an actor working with Quentin Tarantino.
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