When it comes to Austin Butler, a simple question comes to mind: Is there anything this actor can’t do? Australia correspondent Aziz Al Sa'afin sat down for an interview with the rising star to find out.
Fresh from starring in the blockbuster sequel, Dune: Part Two as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, Austin Butler has swapped the world of space travel for the rebellious era of 1960s America in his new film The Bikeriders.
Directed by Jeff Nichols and based on the book by photojournalist Danny Lyon, the high-octane film explores the rise of the Vandals, a biker gang in the Midwest.
"He's an incredible filmmaker with such a philosopher's heart. He has this humility mixed with steady confidence. So it's a great collaboration when you get to work with somebody like that,” said Butler, who steps into the role of Benny, a member of the club headed by Johnny, who is played by Tom Hardy.
“It was cool, it was delicious,” said Butler.
“Although my lungs didn’t thank me,” referring to the extensive smoking his character does on screen.
The story is told through the eyes of Kathy, played by Jodie Comer, as she retells her first encounter with Benny and their marriage thereafter.
It follows Benny’s divided loyalty between his quasi-father and wife, centred only by his passion for riding his motorcycle – a skill that came naturally to Butler.
"My dad rode, grandfather rode, and my sister got her motorcycle license. On her first day out, she got into an accident,” Butler joked.
“After that, my mum said, ‘You're not allowed, Austin, you cannot get a motorcycle.’ And then my dad snuck me out of the house when I was 15, and he said, ‘Do you want me to teach you how to ride?’”
Butler’s early introduction to biking proved invaluable for his role in The Bikeriders, where he spent up to 12 hours a day on a bike.
"You just feel like the bike is an extension of you," he said.
While riding was a highlight, Butler said it only added to what he described as a “dream come true” opportunity co-starring alongside Comer and Hardy.
"I've admired [Tom] for so long and have held him up on such a pedestal as an artist,” he said.
“Getting to be with him on this was an incredible experience. He is all those things we see — he's strong, tough, and can actually fight. But then he's a dad, and he's got a warm heart. He has an incredible sense of humour, and he's made me laugh more than almost anybody in my life.”
Butler added, “[Jodie] carries the film.”
‘Best acting I’ve ever seen’
Fans of Michael Shannon are also treated to what Butler described as some of the best acting he and Hardy had ever seen during a powerful monologue in the film.
"Tom and I walked off to the side, and Tom turned to me while Mike was doing the scene and said, 'That's the best acting I've ever seen.'"
The same can be said for what many have described as Hollywood’s current “it man,” with Butler's latest performance being described as nothing short of award-worthy.
Following his role in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, Dune: Part Two, and a recent collaboration with Steven Spielberg, Butler is now prepping for a film with Darren Aronofsky.
Reflecting on his journey, he said he was constantly living in disbelief.
"I still kind of have to pinch myself," he said.
Kiwi connection
Butler also revealed a special Kiwi connection, having lived in Auckland for nearly two years.
Fondly remembering the city’s charm and “four seasons in one day,” Butler said he missed New Zealand and planned to come back to visit.
“It's been a while since I've been back. I really want to be out there,” he said.
“I love that little Ponsonby Central area."
The Bikeriders hits New Zealand cinemas on July 4.
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