‘Elvis’ Star Austin Butler and Paul McCartney Share This Rare Graceland Honor
Elvis star Austin Butler appears to have been enveloped by Elvis Presley‘s family after his breakout performance as the King of Rock and Roll. Presley’s wife Priscilla attended the film’s Cannes debut and the Met Gala, where she walked the red carpet alongside the cast. Lisa Marie, Elvis’ daughter, also supported Butler’s portrayal of her father, as did her daughter, actor Riley Keogh. However, while at Graceland with the Presleys, Butler was awarded a rare honor he shares with Beatles legend Paul McCartney. What is it?
Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis wowed both Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley
Presley’s only daughter Lisa Marie praised Butler’s performance in Elvis in a May 14 Instagram post. The entertainer called the actor’s work “unprecedented.”
“I want to take a moment to let you know that I have seen Baz Luhrmann’s movie Elvis twice. Let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular,” Lisa Marie wrote. “Exquisite.”
“Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father’s heart and soul beautifully. His performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully,” the entertainer continued.
Priscilla tweeted the following message on April 29, 2022, regarding Butler’s performance in the film:
“The story is about Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker’s relationship. It’s a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz could have delivered in his unique artistic way. Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding,” Priscilla wrote.
Austin Butler and Paul McCartney share this one Graceland honor
Butler subsequently spent time at Graceland with the Presley family during press for and a screening of Elvis at the Memphis, Tennessee mansion. During his stay, Butler played Elvis’ personalized acoustic guitar.
Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough, shared several photos on Instagram of Butler strumming the instrument. However, Keough explained how rare an occurrence this was in the comments section of the post.
“We got to spend time with Austin Butler this weekend in the house, at Graceland. It was such a special and overwhelming experience I haven’t quite processed,” Keough wrote.
“One of many sweet things that happened while we were there; Austin played my grandfather’s guitar in the house,” she continued.
“This guitar hasn’t been played by many people. I know it was tuned by Paul McCartney once, but as far as people sitting down and playing it, Austin Butler is one of the very few people aside from my grandfather,” the actor and director concluded.
Butler claimed he was ‘profoundly honored’ to portray the King of Rock and Roll
Ahead of filming Elvis, Butler spoke to E! News in July 2019 on the red carpet of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He shared his first thoughts about portraying Presley.
“I have to say how profoundly honored I am. Baz invited me on this journey with him,” Butler said of Elvis.
As a result, Butler claims to play Presley was “truly the privilege of a lifetime.” However, the actor said research for the role was “an extensive exploration process.” Most importantly, Butler said learning he won the part was “the call of my life, for sure.”
Elvis hits theaters on June 24.
