‘I Think That Word Gets Thrown Around A Lot’: Austin Butler Opens Up About Whether He’s A ‘Method’ Actor

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Austin Butler has been carving out a distinctive acting path by tackling roles that challenge him to reach new boundaries. Initially, Butler honed his skills as a secondary character in less demanding TV shows like “Zoey 101,” “Life Unexpected,” and “Switched at Birth.” Now, his film career presents an opportunity for him to prove himself to skeptics and viewers alike. However, one may question whether Butler fits into the category of “method” actors. In a candid response that resonates, Butler shares his perspective on this topic.

Many performers employ a technique known as “going method” to disassociate themselves from their own persona and immerse deeply into their characters. For instance, Jared Leto experimented with his chilling Joker laugh in public, while Christian Bale underwent dramatic weight fluctuations for his roles. After Austin Butler put in a lot of effort to portray Elvis, he pondered with The Hollywood Reporter if the term “method” is applicable to him.

Instead, I’ve never employed the term ‘method.’ Frankly, I find it overused and often misconstrued. In reality, my work doesn’t fall under that category. Rather, I enjoy fully engaging or immersing myself in whatever task at hand.

to fully embrace their roles by becoming “immersed” in them.

Over a three-year period prior to portraying The King, Butler significantly changed his voice for the role, an adjustment that eventually took a toll on his health during filming, necessitating a hospital visit when production ended. In a surprising move, even while collaborating with Darren Aronofsky on Caught Steeling, the actor from The Carrie Diaries opted to execute his own stunts, including colliding with a wooden table and permitting himself to be physically assaulted. However, Butler used an everyday term to explain his approach:

At times, when I experience intense fear or deep affection, I might develop an overwhelming fixation. This can lead to an imbalance in my life, as I might focus excessively on the object of my emotions, leaving little room for other aspects. Instead of referring to this phenomenon as a “method,” it’s more about discovering how to maintain a balance in life, so that I can spend time with the people I cherish and live a fulfilling life overall.

In a more casual and straightforward manner: Everyone strives for excellence when tackling any task. To put it simply, Austin Butler seems particularly dedicated to delivering a role that will impress everyone in the audience. You could say he’s a perfectionist. Yet, his sincere effort to respect both the film and the characters he embodies results in performances that deserve standing ovations.

As a passionate film buff, I’d say Austin Butler considers himself more of a dedicated craftsman rather than just a method actor. His unwavering dedication sets him apart from other rising stars by ensuring he delivers anything but ordinary performances. To me, if you’re going to venture into uncharted waters, you might as well immerse yourself completely.

Fortunately for us, Butler continues to deliver captivating performances. Witness his latest mesmerizing role in the 2025 movie release of “Caught Stealing”, now playing in cinemas near you!

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2025-09-09 03:08