Elvis: Baz Luhrmann clears up Austin Butler singing confusion – ‘Forgive me’ | Films | Entertainment

Last month the stunning Elvis Presley biopic “Elvis” hit streaming services for all of the King’s fans to enjoy at any time.

In recent weeks, however, the film’s director, Baz Luhrmann, has spoken candidly about how he brought Elvis to life through his main actor, Butler. Specifically, he cleared up some misinformation about how Elvis was revived vocally through his performance.

And he was eager to point out just how fine an actor Butler was, as well.

Luhrmann recently posted a video of Butler singing on his Instagram account.

The clip came from before filming truly began, as an example of his skills and how he embodied the King on the big screen.

Luhrmann wrote a lengthy caption to point out what was really happening behind the scenes during the singing portions of Elvis.

He said: “The response to Austin’s version of ‘Trouble’ has been tremendous but so many of you still ask: ‘Is it Austin singing?’”

Luhrmann revealed: “I feel I haven’t been clear enough in conveying that Austin sings all of the young Elvis in the movie, so forgive me.”

Referencing the video – which you can watch below – he added: “I thought you might find this very early camera (2019) test fascinating as Austin and the guys are just jamming while we test our lenses. Even before his two years of vocal studies I feel that Austin is channeling the vocal qualities of Elvis.” (sic)

He finished up the loving post by saying: “Thank you @austinbutler for letting me share this early test to give the fans an insight into your journey.”

Just before Elvis hit cinemas, Luhrmann spoke candidly about the vocal wizardry he used in the editing studio to create a perfect blend of Butler and Elvis’ voices.

READ MORE: Elvis Presley: Graceland Virtual Elvis Week 2022 review – 45 years on

Butler revealed: “That was the voice I spoke in for two years. It was so habitual. You get done and you kinda don’t remember what your natural voice is.”

Speaking about first learning how to sound like the star, he added: “When I began the process, I set out to get my voice to be identical. That instils fear. So that got the fire burning.

“For a year before we started shooting, I was doing voice coaching I watched as much as I could, over and over,” Butler said of studying the abundance of Presley’s films and concerts.”

He added that he felt a “responsibility to Elvis” as well as his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, and daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

Priscilla later enthusiastically praised Butler while promoting the movie.

She admitted: “After I saw the movie it was very emotional, my daughter felt the same way. Only because he got Elvis to a T – I mean to a T.”

The 77-year-old called Butler’s performance “unbelievable”.

She added: “He spent two years studying about Elvis, so that was like a shock to watch. Even some of the songs.”

Elvis is available to rent on digital now.