When Austin Butler stepped onto the set of Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air, viewers were quick to notice the traces of his Elvis role, a lingering effect of his intense preparation for Baz Luhrmann’s biographical film. But the actor’s shift from the King of Rock and Roll to a World War II pilot, Major Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven, wasn’t just a physical transformation; it was an emotional and mental overhaul, one that has made the series a must-watch for any fan of war dramas.
Austin Butler’s Struggle to Shake Off Elvis
Butler’s dedication to his craft has always been well-known, but the transition from embodying the larger-than-life Elvis Presley to playing a WWII pilot proved to be far from seamless. In fact, it was one of the most challenging roles he has taken on to date. In a candid interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Butler admitted that the shift was a monumental task, noting, “It was a lot. I was just trying to remember who I was; I was trying to remember what I liked to do. All I thought about was Elvis for three years.”
After taking a brief week off post-Elvis, Butler dove headfirst into learning about WWII, a period and experience far removed from the glitzy world of rock ‘n’ roll. However, the true struggle came when he tried to shed the Elvis persona entirely. “I had that week off, and then I flew to London, and at that time, it was COVID, so I was quarantined for 10 days, so I thought, alright, just pour all this energy into learning about WWII,” he explained.
Despite his intense preparation, a hint of Elvis still lingered. He humorously recalled the help of a dialect coach, employed to ensure that his portrayal of Major Cleven was distinct from the Southern accent he had so famously adopted as Elvis. In addition to working with a dialect coach, Butler revealed that his co-star from Elvis, Tom Hanks, played a pivotal role in his casting for Masters of the Air. Hanks believed that Butler needed to dive into a new project to focus on something other than the character that had taken over his life for years.
A Deep Commitment to History and Character
For Butler, stepping into the shoes of Major Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven wasn’t just about getting the accent right or mastering the physicality of a WWII pilot. It was about understanding the true gravity of the role. “I had to shed one skin and pivot into another,” Butler shared in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. To ensure he was prepared for the demanding role, Butler immersed himself in the book that inspired the miniseries, Masters of the Air by Donald L. Miller, and absorbed the historical details of the 100th Bomb Group’s harrowing experiences during World War II.
This deep connection to the history of the 100th Bomb Group is what helped him craft a performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Butler spoke about the honor of bringing the stories of real people to life, saying, “I was just filled with the feeling of privilege and honor to get to bring this story to life. I was such a huge fan of Band of Brothers, and the fact that these were real people that we were playing, to get to do them justice, was such an honor to me.”
Boot Camp and the Physical Demands of the Role
Preparing for Masters of the Air was not just an intellectual journey; it was also physically grueling. The cast, which includes Callum Turner and Anthony Boyle, underwent a rigorous boot camp that not only educated them about World War II but also prepared them for the intense physical demands of their roles. According to Butler, the boot camp focused on everything from learning about WWII’s technical aspects to enduring physical training. “It was all physical,” he recalled, highlighting how the training helped them embody the sheer intensity and resilience required of the pilots during such a critical period in history.
A Mixed Reception, But Austin Butler’s Performance Shines
While Masters of the Air has garnered a positive to mixed reception from critics, with some raising concerns about historical inaccuracies and omissions from the original story, one thing is clear: Austin Butler’s performance has been universally praised. His ability to dive into such a complex character, transitioning from Elvis to a WWII hero, showcases his versatility and dedication to his craft. For anyone skeptical about revisiting Masters of the Air, Butler’s raw dedication to the role is a compelling reason to give it another watch.
What’s Next for Austin Butler?
As for the future of Masters of the Air, fans are already wondering if the story will continue. Executive producer Gary Goetzman hinted at the possibility of a second season, though he noted that it may be time for others to share their own stories. For now, Butler’s work on this series is a testament to his growing legacy in Hollywood. After portraying one of the most iconic figures in music history and now stepping into the boots of a WWII pilot, it’s clear that Austin Butler is one of the most exciting talents in Hollywood today.
Butler’s heartfelt confession and commitment to his roles prove that when an actor truly cares about their craft, the results are bound to leave a lasting impact. For those who haven’t yet seen Masters of the Air, Butler’s performance is certainly worth the watch, offering both a tribute to history and an incredible character study.