'Elvis' Interviews | Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Baz Luhrmann & More!

“Elvis” stars Austin Butler (Elvis), Tom Hanks (Colonel Tom Parker), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (B.B. King), Alton Mason (Little Richard), Yola (Sister Rosetta Tharpe)  and director Baz Luhrmann sit down with CinemaBlend’s Sean O’Connell to talk about the making of a story about The King. Austin Butler describes his nervous energy about singing in front of strangers and how they shot the film’s concert sequences. Tom Hanks and director Baz Luhrmann talk about being asked to compromise artistic vision for those who want to profit. Yola, Alton Mason, and others discuss the idea of talent and whether or not the talent of someone like Elvis is timeless.

00:00 - Intro
00:19 - Austin Butler On Performing In Front Of An Actual Crowd 
02:13 - Tom Hanks And Baz Luhrmann On Being Asked To Compromise Artistic Vision
05:03 - Is Talent Timeless?
10:57 - In The Face Of Tragedy, Does Art Feel Frivolous?
13:40 - Kelvin Harrison Jr And Alton Mason Talk Finding Inspiration From Real Footage Of B.B. King And Little Richard
16:40 - Outro

#Elvis #AustinButler #TomHanks

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[karinaw]

I can vouch for being in the audience as a background actor. It was like we were watching Elvis for real. Austin was off the chart.

[xeczdwm]

This is the best Elvis movie to come out. Austin just becomes Elvis and Tom Hanks of course is great. This is an Oscar performance for both of them. Austin definitely deserves an Oscar for his performance. When we went, people in the theater were singing along to the songs and clapping afterward, so it was a movie but like being at a concert as well

[mamamememoo]

This film is NOT. A documentary. It is meant to entertain even as it plays homage and try to tell the story of Elvis’ struggle as an artist and his rebellion against racial segregation. It was very well acted and very difficult to shoot and edit because of what they were trying to achieve technically and artistically. Being from this industry, it is clear to me how difficult it is to create this film and they did so well as a whole. No film can satisfy everyone. There will be those who love it. There will be those who don’t. What matters is that the Presley family felt it did justice to Elvis and gave their approval.

[lifeissweet]

The extras said they were so excited waiting for Austin to get in makeup and finally come on stage. Their reaction was real EVERY TIME. it felt like elvis was there! Baz liked to say "the hair has spoken".

[paulinamikulak]

Austin did an amazing job...I saw the movie today and it was fantastic.

[adhdfitgirl]

Before commenting on Austin’s talent. I’d like to comment on his personality. He is humble and open minded and he is ready to learn. No ego and an open heart. If he keeps this, he will always be a joy to people around.him

[johnarkle]

Watched the movie yesterday - it gave me Goosebumps. I loved it

[judybarcenas]

When you love a iconic superstar and then you find out what they went through is devastating

[AngelsOfStrength.AS]

Tom Hanks is such a creative brilliant mind. His analysis of Elvis is deep consciousness. Austin is profoundly humble in his talents and courageous first times. He is forever a very special sensitive brilliant mind and true artist 🎥 🎞

[joannemurdock]

I really hope BAZ LURHMANN wins an OSCOR for this great movie ELVIS! 💙

[krism]

I love the actor who plays B.B. King. He gives off wonderful vibes and what a great personality!
The young man who plays Little Richard seems like a contender for a Michael Jackson biopic.

[makennapainter]

My heart. Austin when interviewer said the Nemo thing 🥺❤️

[Verbsdescribeus]

The Elvis movie is a cinema masterpiece!!! I watched it 3 times in 3 different theatres ;)

[tammybrantley]

That scene where he was a child being hypnotized by the music brought me to tears.

[normababo]

I had to see the movie based on the awesome trailer & boy, did it live up to it’s hype. The movie was absolutely epic & Austin Butler’s portrayal of the King is totally Oscar worthy. Certainly, there have been movies made before about Elvis but none as good & memorable as Baz Luhrmann’s take.
You can’t help falling in love with the King all over again & you sure as hell will fall madly in love with Austin, who nailed the King’s sex appeal brilliantly.
Loved too how Baz integrated the undeniable influence & impact that black music, gospel, the Blues & Rhythm & Blues had on Elvis’ style. As well as paying homage to Elvis, the film pays & all too rightly, homage to our Blues pioneers who Elvis was indeed indebted to.
One leaves the movie in a state of both ecstasy as at times, you feel as though you’re watching the king live & in concert but one also leaves with a real sense of sadness based on the Colonel’s (Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager) shocking treatment of his number 1 star. How he totally ripped Elvis off & how because of his own financial problems, Elvis never toured abroad. How epic would that have been if the King were able to visit his fans all over the world.
Incidentally, Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the Colonel is also brilliant.
In conclusion, as you can tell I highly recommend the movie & more symbolically, trekking down memory lane with Elvis’ music. I’ve been listening to The King non stop since watching the movie & you realise yet again, that Elvis quite simply was (is) the greatest singer of all time.
Long live The King!❤❤❤❤❤

[tinab]

That’s awesome how authentic they did this

[Cwn]

Have to say. It’s one of the best docudramas they’ve made about a singer. Wonderful movie all around

[cathleenhorrell]

I did watch the credits all the way through because the lst time I saw this, I was just so moved, I couldn't move away. I watch it again the next night, because it is so intense at the beginning, (in a good way) that I wanted to go back and watch it again, as if for the first time. I am so grateful the performances were done really well and not just a little clip. I know I'll keep coming back to this movies like I do for Hamilton, because there are so many great moments to savor. Hanks and Butler deserve awards. I knew I was actually watching Elvis. And that how he was 'abused' and used by this con man, and met this tragic end. Thank you for making this movie!

[michellejackson]

Saw the movie a couple days ago... OMG.. This young man embodied Elvis... I was in awe of his performance..

[tammybrantley]

Saw the film this weekend . I loved it!!!! I want to see it again! I can’t wait to own it!