Austin Butler Wisely Chose Quentin Tarantino Over Tom Cruise as Top Gun 2 Was Ready to Reject Actor for 1 Reason Despite Terrific Audition
Before his acclaimed portrayal of Elvis shot him to fame, Austin Butler faced a pivotal career crossroads. The rising star revealed he had to choose between a role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood or screen testing for Top Gun: Maverick. Ultimately, Butler’s decision led him to a key opportunity. While promoting his new Apple TV series Masters of the Air, Butler confirmed he was up for the part of Rooster in Top Gun: Maverick.
Why Did Austin Butler Have To Choose?
According to Variety, the audition process conflicted with an offer from Tarantino. Having long wanted to work with the iconic Pulp Fiction director, Austin Butler felt he couldn’t pass up the chance. He ended up playing Charles Manson cult member Tex Watson in Tarantino’s film.
“I’d already met with [Tarantino], so I did that,” Butler explained of picking the auteur over the Tom Cruise blockbuster sequel.
It was a scheduling conflict that forced him to make the tough choice between the two projects. In hindsight, Butler likely made the smart move for his burgeoning career.
As the Top Gun casting director later revealed, the team felt the rising actor was too young for the co-starring role of Rooster at that time. Butler’s audition still impressed them though. When the Elvis casting came up shortly after, his strong Top Gun screen test put him top of mind.
So while he lost out on one part, it brought him top of mind for an even bigger opportunity – his career-making Elvis portrayal. Picking Tarantino over Top Gun indirectly led Butler to the role that made him a household name.
How Did Both Films Fare?
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood earned strong reviews and gave Butler the chance to work with legends like Tarantino, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Brad Pitt early in his career. It was a chance for crucial experience that served the young actor well.
Meanwhile, Top Gun: Maverick exceeded expectations to become the biggest box office smash of 2022, grossing $1.5 billion worldwide. It cemented Tom Cruise’s enduring star power and even earned praise from Tarantino himself as “fantastic.”
So both projects proved major successes, just down different career avenues for Butler at that critical juncture. His choice opened the door for his star-making turn as Elvis soon after.
Did Austin Butler Make The Right Call?
Given the Oscar buzz around his transformative Elvis performance, Butler certainly made the right choice for his young career at the time. Picking Tarantino over Top Gun: Maverick led him indirectly but crucially to that career-defining role.
Butler showed smart instincts by following his passion as an actor and going with the Tarantino role. Now as an Oscar nominee for Elvis, he’s reaping the rewards of trusting his gut. He bet on his talents rather than a big movie star vehicle.
That fateful decision ended up shaping the trajectory of Butler’s career. While Top Gun: Maverick was a box office smash, the role likely wouldn’t have had the same impact on Butler’s profile.
Instead, working with Tarantino opened the door for Elvis shortly after. Butler’s talent shone through, positioning him as the perfect rising star for such a transformative, career-defining role.
Now he’s a critically acclaimed actor. At just 31, Butler is seeing his talents embraced on the strength of his breakout Elvis turn. And it may never have happened if not for wisely following his passion to work with Tarantino over Top Gun early in his career.
