Los Angeles, CA – Actor Austin Butler recently revealed the difficult decision he had to make between two major film opportunities: a role in “Top Gun: Maverick” alongside Tom Cruise or a part in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” During an interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Butler confirmed that he ultimately chose to work with Tarantino because he had dreamed of collaborating with the acclaimed director for a long time.
Butler’s decision proved to be a smart one, as the “Top Gun: Maverick” casting director Denise Chamian later admitted that they felt he was too young for the role that would ultimately go to Miles Teller. However, Butler’s meeting with Chamian during the audition process caught her attention, and it eventually led to him being cast as Charles Manson cult member Charles Watson in Tarantino’s film.
Chamian spoke highly of Butler’s audition, stating that she saw something special in him, particularly in the way he presented himself to the camera. She praised his captivating presence and the way he connected with the audience.
Both “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” did exceptionally well at the box office and received critical acclaim. The former earned $1.49 billion, making it the 11th highest-grossing movie worldwide. Tarantino himself expressed his admiration for “Top Gun: Maverick,” calling it fantastic.
Butler’s upcoming projects include the streaming series “Masters of the Air” on Apple TV+ starting January 26 and the highly anticipated “Dune: Part Two,” set to release on March 1.
In conclusion, Austin Butler’s decision to choose Quentin Tarantino’s film over “Top Gun: Maverick” proved to be a wise move for his career. His captivating presence and talent caught the attention of the casting director, leading to significant opportunities in both blockbuster films.