Austin Butler and Jeremy Allen White Reveal the Emotional Toll of Playing Music Icons

Actors Austin Butler and Jeremy Allen White have opened up about the unique challenges of portraying real-life music legends. Their candid conversation details the intense process of capturing a person’s private essence. This insight comes as White prepares for his role as Bruce Springsteen in an upcoming film.

The discussion reveals the psychological boundaries actors must navigate. They strive for authenticity while respecting the legacy of the icons they play. This balance is crucial for a performance that feels both truthful and respectful.

The Struggle to Capture Private Moments

Butler recalled his experience playing Elvis Presley. He often questioned his vocal choices and mannerisms early on. This constant self-scrutiny created a significant mental barrier for the actor.

He described a pivotal moment where he had to let go. The performance then became a merging of his own soul with that of the character. This process was essential to move beyond mere imitation. According to The Hollywood Reporter, such deep character immersion is common among method actors.

White immediately related to Butler’s description. He faced similar questions while preparing to play Bruce Springsteen. Public footage only shows a performative version of the person, he noted.

Contrasting Paths to Finding a Character’s Soul

The actors had very different environments for their preparations. Butler filmed Elvis in Australia during COVID-19 lockdowns. This isolation helped him immerse himself fully in the delusion of becoming Presley.

White’s experience was the opposite. Springsteen was actively involved as a producer on the film. This gave White unprecedented access to the man he was portraying. He understood Springsteen’s need to be present, as it represented a rare relinquishing of control.

This presence created a different kind of pressure. White had to find the character while the real person was watching. He focused on capturing the feeling of Springsteen’s experience rather than a perfect copy.

Ultimately, both actors agree that portraying a real person is a profound responsibility. The goal is not to create a flawless replica but to honor the spirit of the individual. Their shared experience highlights the unique emotional toll of the biopic genre.

Thought you’d like to know

What movie is Jeremy Allen White starring in?

He is starring in *Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere*. The film is scheduled for release in theaters on October 24th.

Who did Austin Butler play in a recent biopic?

Austin Butler portrayed the legendary musician Elvis Presley. His performance was in the 2022 Baz Luhrmann film titled *Elvis*.

Was Bruce Springsteen involved in the film about him?

Yes, Bruce Springsteen served as a producer on the project. His longtime manager, Jon Landau, was also present during much of the filming process.

How did filming during COVID affect Austin Butler?

The lockdowns in Australia created an isolated environment. Butler says this isolation helped him immerse himself more deeply into the character of Elvis.

What is the main challenge of playing a real person?

The biggest challenge is portraying private, unseen moments. Actors must blend their own interpretation with known facts about the person’s public life.

Trusted Sources

Interview Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter