Austin Butler opens up about mastering motorcycles for The Bikeriders

Austin Butler, known for his breakout role in "Elvis," has quickly become a leading man in Hollywood. Fresh off his performances in "Masters of the Air" and "Dune: Part Two," Butler now takes on a new challenge in Jeff Nichols' crime drama, "The Bikeriders."

In "The Bikeriders," Butler portrays Benny, a stoic and enigmatic member of a 1960s Chicago motorcycle club. The role presented a unique challenge, as Benny's character was not fully explored in the source material, Danny Lyon's photojournalistic book of the same name. Butler delved into his imagination to create a rich inner life for Benny, understanding his motivations and desires despite his limited dialogue.

Filming "The Bikeriders" back-to-back with "Dune: Part Two" posed another challenge for Butler. Initially, he was supposed to shave his head for his role as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in "Dune," but Nichols requested that he keep his hair for "The Bikeriders." This led to a creative solution involving a bald cap for "Dune" and intensive motorcycle training during a break between filming blocks.

Butler's dedication to his craft and his willingness to immerse himself in the worlds of his characters have earned him the opportunity to work with some of the industry's most renowned directors. His latest collaboration is with acclaimed filmmaker Ari Aster on the upcoming A24 film "Eddington," alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Butler shares insights into his preparation for "The Bikeriders," including his immersion in motorcycle culture and the development of Benny's unique personality. He also reflects on his experience working with Jeff Nichols, describing him as a "wonderful person" with a poet's heart and a philosopher's soul.

Additionally, Butler discusses his time on the set of "Dune: Part Two," highlighting the camaraderie among the cast and crew and the opportunity to learn from some of the most talented actors in the industry.

As Butler continues to build an impressive filmography, his commitment to authenticity and his passion for storytelling shine through. With his latest projects, he proves that he is not only a leading man on screen but also a leader in Hollywood's new A-list.