Austin Butler's Most Iconic Roles
Before he played the King of Rock'n'Roll, he was one of America's favorite on-screen teen heartthrobs.
Before his Elvis debut, Austin Butler had already stolen the hearts of many fans throughout the years. From brief cameos in our timeless childhood shows like iCarly and Wizards of Waverly Place, Butler had quickly become everyone's favorite on-screen boyfriend. Almost two decades later, the actor still has the same lasting effect on viewers today. In honor of the heartthrobs' 32nd birthday, join L'OFFICIEL as we reflect on his past roles and see how the Elvis star came to be.
At the start of his career, Butler took on the role of James Garnett in the hit Nickelodeon TV series Zoey 101. Butler played alongside Jamie Lynn Spears as one of her love interests in the show, creating a chaotic love triangle between the characters Zoey, Chase, and James.
While Butler only starred in one episode, his role on the show definitely made an impact. In an episode of iCarly, the actor played a tone-deaf guitarist named Jake Randall, who stole Carly's (Miranda Cosgrove) heart. In an attempt to catch his eye, she invites him to the show only to discover his lack of talent and that his cute looks weren't everything.
Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure is a spinoff film from the iconic High School Musical movie trilogy. The film follows Sharpay's (Ashley Tisdale) life after East High. She has picked up to New York to become a Broadway star. After being kicked out of her penthouse, she meets Butler's character Peyton, an aspiring film director and the son of one of her mother's friends. Together, they take on the city's challenges and land Sharpay her dream role.
In this Sex and the City prequel series, Butler plays a rebellious bad boy and crush of a young Carrie Bradshaw. The show gives background on how our favorite NYC relationship columnist came to be and the people she meets along the way.
In this CW show, Butler takes on the fantasy genre. Based on the best-selling book trilogy, The Shannara Chronicles details the journeys of heroes trying to save their world. With mentions of elves, demons, and magic, this series will have you hooked after the first episode. Butler stars as the show's lead character, Wil, a half-elf descended from an ancient bloodline.
In this comedic coming-of-age film, a group of four friends tackle drug tests, college decisions, and grief, all before graduating high school. The Elvis actor plays a senior in high school who suffers a tragic fate and appears throughout the film in flashbacks. Butler stars alongside Pretty Little Liars actress Lucy Hale as her (almost) love interest.
Butler plays Jack in this 2019 modern zombie flick. Traveling with his friends, Zoe (Selena Gomez) and Zack (Luka Sabbat), the trio tries to survive the night in the deadly town of Centerville. The film also stars Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny, Tilda Swinton, and more.
Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood is a star-studded film. With big names like Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo Dicaprio, it was hard to keep up with this fully-fledged cast. Butler looks unrecognizable in the film with long dark hair and a shaggy beard. Butler's character Charles "Tex" Watson, is the film's main antagonist. His character is based on the actual Tex Watson, who was a part of the Manson Family cult in the '60s.
While Butler has been in the industry for over a decade, the Elvis biopic is what solidified his stardom status in Hollywood. Taking method acting to a whole new level, Butler lived the life of Elvis for nearly two years. The actor's performance in the film has received nothing but praise. At the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, the biopic received a 12-minute standing ovation after its screening, and he was nominated for an Academy Award as the leading man.
The second installment of the Dune series wrapped up filming in December of last year, and Butler is set to play the film's notorious villain Fayd Rautha. Along with Butler, the sequel also recruited Florence Pugh and Léa Seydoux as new cast members. The second film was confirmed last year by returning lead Timothée Chalamet. Zendaya will reprise her role as Chani as well.
In the Apple TV series, Masters of the Air, Butler plays Major Gale "Buck" Cleven in this World War II mini series. Five miles above the ground behind enemy lines, 10 men inside an aluminum bomber battle enemy fire and hordes of German fighters. Butler stars alongside Callum Turner and Anthony Boyle.
Butler stars in The Bikeriders alongside a star-studded cast including Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy set to premiere on June 21, 2024. Butler's character, Benny, a member of a Midwestern motorcycle club, needs to choose between Comer's, Kathy, and his loyalty to the club after it turns into a dangerous place of violence.
Butler's upcoming crime thriller, Caught Stealing, written by and based on the books by Charlie Huston, follows a burnt-out former baseball player, Hank Thompson, played by Butler. Butler's character will have to battle to survive in the downtown criminal underworld of New York City in the '90s. He will be starring alongside Zoë Kravitz and Regina King. A release date is still set to be scheduled, but rumors say it could hit the big screen in late 2025.
