Tom Hanks and Austin Butler Interview: Reel Talk with Ben O'Shea 

Austin Butler deserves to win an Oscar for his excellent performance

Think of all the hundreds of thousands worldwide who have tried miserably to imitate Elvis. This kid Austin comes out of nowhere and totally nails it, the look, voice, movements, confidence, and even stage presence. It's kind of odd, like Elvis's spirit gave his approval.

I love Tom Hanks' obvious enjoyment of seeing his younger friend and colleague go through this amazing experience. The movie was AWESOME! Austin Butler really became Elvis to me, and through my father I grew up super aware of Elvis and his absolutely ginormous starpower.

This young actor worked hard and channeled Elvis. Deserves an Oscar 👏

I can listen to Austin Butler talk all day.

This young man is a true artist. Sensitive,intelligent, excellent portrayal.

Having been an Elvis fan all my life, due to my dear old Mum who adored him, I went to see the film with an air of trepidation and a deeply protective feeling over a man I've always loved. I came away an emotional mess! It was phenomenal. Days later and it's still on my mind. Austin Butler is absolutely mesmerising in his portrayal. He has managed to completely embody him, throughout all 3 decades of 'Elvis'. I've seen many tribute acts and shows over the years and if they are potraying different stages in his life, it's always been different actors. So for this young man to do them all and so brilliantly is just amazing. If he doesn't get an Oscar for this role, there is no justice in the world.

Austin Butler seems to ooze star charisma even in an interview.

Why is Tom Hanks acting so high and mighty!??? Lol like WHAAAAT? The man’s deceased!

This movie gave me goosebumps every time Austin Butler sang. What a great movie, Austin Butler was fantastic portraying, The King. Austin deserves an Oscar for this movie, I never thought anyone could ever dance and sing like Elvis, but Austin is so right on in this movie. Love, love, love this movie.

Tom Hanks (seasoned actor) used his instincts to create the mysterious character Col. Tom Parker; Austin Butler (the 'new' guy) used his instincts to sift through terabytes of ELVIS information to whittle it down to a masterful representation! BOTH should receive all the awards and accolades they get!

I saw this movie today - I wasn't going to see it because I just could not imagine anyone doing a good job impersonating Elvis but I have to say you Austin Butler did an absolutely amazing job & I thank you for it - you made me feel like I lost Elvis all over again !! The power in your performance took me over the moon !! I'm 78 years young & I've watch & loved Elvis thru his whole career beginning to his heartbreaking end ! Elvis will never be forgotten & now for me thanks to you its like he lived again ❤ so thanks to everyone who had anything & everything to do with the making of this movie- I will never forget it !! I just wish I had the movie because I could & would watch it again & again & I could put it with the rest of my Elvis collection !! So my love & gratitude to all of you for this awesome movie from a HUGE FAN ❤

Austin Butler is quite deserving of an Oscar! Quite talented! ❤

He deserves an oscar, if he doesn't get it, the Oscars are finished.

Tom is being honest about his Elvis take. As someone born so after Elvis’s legacy and only getting to know and admire him for his whole artistry, it was so interesting to know there was that very real part of pop culture where Elvis experienced his fall from grace and public opinion. It’s important to know the whole take and gives you a better view of the overall picture and what Elvis went through !

I took my husband to see it yesterday because he's a great Elvis fan❤️.(so am I)😊 It was everything we hoped it would be. This young man embodied Elvis so much that I got lost for a moment into thinking I was watching the real Elvis! Austin Butler is a genius and so is everyone involved in this movie. They did a "FANTASTIC" job!!! Oscar worthy and any other Award !!! We loved it!!! He's so handsome!!! I pray you go further in your career young man. God Bless.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

You cannot understand how great Elvis really was unless you saw him live. I saw him in 1970 in Las Vegas with Tom Jones in the audience. I was 17 and was amazed with Elvis´s live performance. At one point Tom Jones got on stage with Elvis. WOW!

It says a lot that I cannot tear my eyes away from Austin even when Tom Hanks is speaking. He has that charisma that you just can't fake

Loved every minute of the movie. Austin Butler was brilliant. There's a place far beyond impersonation. This kid found it and brought Elvis back for a couple hours.

I wasn't even a teen when Elvis was so popular though I followed his music& movie life. This movie with Austin Butler gave me back the thrill that Elvis gave back in the day. Austin captured his voice, look & all & he deserves to win an award for the amazing job he did playing Elvis, because after Elvis died we were all so sad& Austin deserves all our thanks for giving him back to us again once more.

Austin Butler did such an amazing job playing Elvis. I've seen the movie twice and would see it again. He deserves an academy award for his performance

Austin , you did an amazing job. You deserve an oscar for this movie. Your performance is spectacular and your voice and moves are exactly like elvis. Thank you for making this amazing movie. Good luck and God Bless You.

Austin needs to win an Oscar.

Tom- SHOW RESPECT!!!! He is the KING!!!

When you no longer see the Actor that is when you know it's Oscar for them all Baz, Austin and Tom. I LOVED IT!!!!! I AM NOW AN Elvis Fan.

Man, this guy really asked quality questions!! This was cool to watch and I could tell these well-thought-out questions made the actors feel comfortable

Elvis is forever an original, an icon and a classic

we will hear about this guy for a long time...a star is born!

It’s actually refreshing to hear tom hanks said that elvis was already done. We dont need to sugar coat anything if we dont feel it that way. That doesnt mean he didnt take the role seriously, thats just how he feels, he doesnt know elvis, elvis doesnt know him.

It's the best Elvis movie I've ever seen, I've seen many if not all of them but this one was something else. Well done Austin.

I love how Austin speaks thru a conscious vivid example of the Elvis his grandmother knew. Very eloquent.

Tom Hanks is older than me but his description of Elvis doesn't mirror mine whatsoever! I loved the Elvis movies. I loved Elvis in fact when I was seven and Elvis married Pricilla I was bummed! I also remember watching his show in black leather, he was gorgeous! For a little girl he looked like a God! The day he died I was 17 and it's like an event you never forget where you were and what you were doing when you heard it for it stopped me in my tracks! I now have just watched the movie Elvis with Austin Butler & Tom Hanks and saw a completely different side of Elvis and his relationship with Colonel Tom Parker which I knew nothing about. Austin Butler was so good as Elvis that at times I thought I was watching Elvis. Since I never knew much about Colonel Tom Paker I don't know much about him except what was portrayed in the movie by Tom Hanks. If he was like this movie portrayal I think he was an opportunist & Elvis would've been famous no matter who his manager was but I resent that Colonel Parker made so much money off Elvis & then had the audacity to try to bankrupt him. There's not been an entertainer since Elvis that gives me the butterflies like Elvis did. Maybe because I was so young and impressionable. Regardless, I think Elvis was the greatest entertainer ever and this movie is a can't miss if you're an Elvis fan!

Austin Butler amazing acting and respect for how he honored Elvis’s character on and off stage💕what a great guy!! Love him and such a cutie! Wish I could have experienced an Elvis concert!

Well, it’s not really accurate to say that Elvis was “done” when he was in his Hollywood period. He was one of the highest paid actors in the world and loved by millions and millions of fans. It was not his best period but he was always popular.

I was born in 1957. I lived in Germany in the 80s. He means so much to me. Everything he sang. All his mistakes. He was human.

Austin will most definitely take home the Oscar! He delivered a stellar performance! Can't wait to see him walk up that stage !

Seen the movie today & when Austin gets his hair shaved in the army scene & looks towards the camera, that's Elvis. He certainly got the moves down pat too & the voice. I really couldn't imagine him playing the king that well but he gave a phenomenal performance. I noticed Austin's eyes, they were beautiful just like Elvis'. Also love Tom Hanks & here he is again giving a top rate performance as the colonel, wow, he was unbelievable, well, what else can we expect from Tom as his decades of great movies say it all, always thought he is a talented actor. I think both of them should be nominated & either can win. Great movie Baz.

Austin Butler deservers a lot of respect. Thank you so much for this movie. My dad would of loved this movie. He past away 8 years ago and to see this alone was very emotional for me. I grew up listen to elvis when my dad would drive around. I loved Austin Butler's acting as elvis. He will make the young kids of today take some interest into elvis. I can't wait to see what Austin Butler does next.

Wow ! I am Tom Hanks age and I always enjoyed his movies. I was fortunate enough to see him in concert when I was 20. ( 2 years before he passed) He was amazing then too. When he walked on the stage the energy of the crowd was incredible. I loved the movie and hope Austin Butler gets an Oscar!

One of my favorite parts of the movie was Elvis’ friendship with BB King. Never knew about it, but was amazing to see recreated nonetheless

This was so nice! Much more a conversation than an interview!

Zowie! Elvis. . Was an awesome performer . So unique . Austin butler seems to have achieved his goal of giving Elvis the justice he deserved

Stay true to yourself Austin and stay humble

This is the best movie ever! Austin butler is great! He breathed fire into this movie. The movie theatre went wild we were dancing in our seats! The aura was just like Elvis was there. Austin butler gave me goosebumps throughout the movie. It was great! Give this boy an Oscar!! Everyone needs to see this movie! I’m going to buy it also

We all agree that Austin was outstanding. But what about Tom Hanks as the Colonel? His portrayal was so believable. His transformation to his look and demeanor shouldn't be overlooked

Austin butler was right for the role. He IS Elvis !

Austin Butler did an incredible job… I loved his performance.

My parents were big Elvis fans I first learned of Elvis at the age of 5 I was 8 when Elvis died I can still remember the day Elvis died as if it was yesterday. I can remember where I was when my parents were sitting in front of the TV crying like it was one of our family members. When I went outside to continue playing the neighbors were crying and hugging each other again if they knew the man personally. I was familiar with Elvis the early years, the movies, and the 70s

I was 13 when Elvis passed away. He was my era. I loved his music and I remember the controvery of his 'moves' which were banned on our black and white television. The movie evoked in me raw emotion. I knew every word to every song. What I didn't know as a teenager, was his true story and the people who took advantage of him. And so the movie brought intense sadness to me. I feel these two actors deserve academy awards. This movie was epic.

Elvis is the true meaning of the word icon ! As in life his legacy has been manipulated to benefit others and my hopes for this film is to show the man and his true talents ! ! ! ....To bring the generations of people the gifts of his enormous talent that has brought me joy and comfort for over sixty - five years. ! ! ! Elvis' life deserves the big screen treatment and the respect that he didn't always get from the world of entertainment ! ! !

9:20 The way Tom Hanks looks at Austin is like the Greatest Certification !

True Elvis Fans love all of Elvis......

Austin Butler's talent gives me vibe of new Leo Dicaprio. I just hope he won't have to wait for so long for his first Oscar; hope Elvis get him one already- absolutely deservingly.

I love and admire Tom Hanks and he did great in the movie showing Col. Parker's evils. But it was kind of a shot to say that he had little material to create him compared to the "mountainous" amounts of info for Austin had....Austin's challenge was much more difficult since everyone has/had an impression of who and how Elvis was......he conjured up Elvis's spirit and it was Oscar worthy.

I’m so glad Austin won an Oscar cause he totally deserved it for what he did in this amazing film😊

The movie ELVIS was fantastic! They really did a great job making this movie..one thing I also liked was the end of the movie, they showed an actual clip of THE REAL ELVIS!!! I had every record they made!

I must say this the first time I’m looking at an interview with Ben O’Shea. He’s awesome. He puts the actors at ease and I love the rapidfire questions at the end. Of course I thought the movie was mind blowing and the acting not only by Butler but by Hanks was brilliant. I totally felt the manipulation portrayed by Hanks’ characterization of the Colonel. He nailed it as the snowman and Butler as Elvis the showman, brilliant.

Definitely deserves an Oscar or 2 or 3. Best movie ever!

Elvis changed the music world in the 50's and later he experienced a lot of turmoil in his life. But what was most important to Elvis, was making people happy through his music and shows.

Tom Hanks describes exactly the notion I had about Elvis! growing up in the 60s ❤️ -what a great movie! amazing to see Hanks portray such a despicable character, but Oscar worthy! Austin’s performance is breathtaking ❤️ loved it

I grew up in this era and don’t ever remember Elvis being “done”! It almost ruined the interview when Tom said this. Austin was great in the movie and I hope he gets every award there is. Tom, sorry to say, not so much!

that 68 comeback was Elvis at his best

"He was somebody from the 1950's, and he didn't mean anything to me..." That's who Elvis was to our entire generation of the 1970's. It was Joe Strummer and the music of The Clash (see the cover of London Calling..) that brought Elvis into my life. Looking forward to seeing this.

A fantastic project to bring the feeling of the generation to the now. We can't just dismiss how innocent and exciting the 50s youth were.

Can’t wait to watch Elvis! Austin reminds me of a young Johnny Depp. 💓 he’s amazing! And of course, our icon Tom Hanks!!

I'm around the same age as Tom Hanks, and my experience woth Elvis was pretty much the same as his. Elvis was already "done" as I was growing up. The Beatles had kicked off a whole new thing and Elvis was kind of a semi washed up big celebrity who made silly movies. I never quite got over that, so I was never really an Elvis fan, and so I wasn't all that interested in seeing this movie as a result. But everyone has been raving about Austin Butler's performance as a "must see", so I want to see the movie now. Good for him!

King Creole, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender all great movies. In 56, I was 10 years old. I used to wait in a line about 10 deep and at least 2 miles long to see Elvis movies at the Capitan Theatre. I love Tom Hanks also but as far as me and millions of others are concerned, Elvis was KING!!

Austin is right - Elvis music makes you happy! Update: I went to 8 different cinemas already. Thank you for this masterpiece, creative team, may you win all the awards in the universe for your hard work and dedication!

i haven't been this excited for a film in so long

Tom Hanks is a lot older than me and I knew Elvis was a huge deal in the 70's and late 60's. He always had hits and his concerts were televised every so often and it was just amazing to watch him.

I am so excited to watch these 2 work together. Tom Hanks I have always seen as a brilliant actor. I believe they both will do an amazing job and make Elvis proud. I think this will make Austin Butlers career rise to really high levels. Got 5 tickets for the family. Ages 6 to 63 going!

It's uncanny how Tom's syntax sounds like Elvis'. Not the accent per-say, but the rhythm of his speech, the depth of his tone & his sweet polite demeanor. Baz must have got down and kissed the floor in thanks when he turned up for the audition.

My dad was born in 56 Also my grandpa his dad was in the military with Elvis And Austin’s voice though 💕

Well Tom when you die we will see if anybody remembers you 45 years later.Elvis will have been gone 45 years this Aug. and here we are not only talking about the Elvis story but he still draws hundred of thousands of people to Graceland every year and he still sells records. Tom's movie's fade into the past but Elvis still influences artist who were never born when he passed and are discovering his music with great admiration.

Yes he does! There is no one that deserves it more than he does ! He poured his heart and soul. Into this movie so that all of ELVIS FAMILY FRIENDS AND FANS WOULD FALL IN LOVE WITH AND THAT HE DID SO HATS OFF TO AUSTIN BECAUSE IT WAS A JOB WELL DONE!!!!!! I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT AND COULD WATCH IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN !💞💞

Loved every second of this film!!

love how tom hanks just looks at austin in interview priceless!

Best movie I've seen. Standing ovation!!

The conversation between all three was respectful towards everyone and their own ideas without interruption letting the words flow with ease.

Hearing Tom Hanks talk about his experience with Elvis growing up made me sad because that was the general perspective in the late 60s-early 70s by young boomers. Elvis was aware of it at the time and I believe it led him to a lot of his behaviors that caused his demise..

I was born in 55 and grew up with Elvis. My Momma loved him and I can remember having measles in the 1st grade and watching him on television. I've always love Elvis and still love to watch his old movies.

Just saw this today. It is unexplainable. I lived thru this Era and it took me back to that place. Yes Austin does not look like Elevis but his acting is superb. I was taken back 60 years ago when my mother sad I sang a Nothing but a hound dog all the time. My late husband would say this is. Right there with Gone with the wind!! I want to go see it again tomorrow and the next day. You can not take it all in with just one viewing . Love. LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!

I hope this film is as good as Walk the Line! That Johnny Cash film was incredible

Great interview. I see Elvis in his mannerisms. I can't wait. ❤️

You could tell Tom Hanks was not an Elvis fan who never seen a pic of Colonel Tom Parker

Austin definitely deserves an Oscar for his performance as Elvis!!! Loved the movie.

Excellent ! I would like to see that movie again, so good ! Amazing actor Congrats to all

Elvis died when I was 21, as a small boy I wanted to be him. My older sister really loved Elvis. Elvis was made to do things Against his will by Tom Parker.

I have always loved Tom Hanks and Elvis Presley. To have a movie with both is amazing! Even though I know it isn't really Elvis. It seems like it is. Thank you so much! God Bless You! Good Vibes!

Saw Thursday. Enjoyed it. Now that it simmered I want to see it again!

Great interview! The host did a great job asking questions that elicited some interesting commentary from both Hanks and Austin about how they perceived Elvis as they were growing up. You can learn so much from these interviews. Very well done!

I have to say job well done! to Austin Butler Bravo!! My husband mentioned the movie to me the day before we were going to see the movie. I said WHAT! the movie is about Elvis Presley's life? My hubby said yes his life and what we did not know about him. I said Yes!! sure lets go. We did not regret at all. Elvis music and the reincarnation of his life, Austin did Fantastic and Tom Hanks as well. It is a must see if you are a fan of Elvis back in the days you won't be disappointed. Finally a great movie I was able to really enjoy it's been a long time.

Really great interview! This one was a bit different from all the others. I enjoyed the whole thing.

I love Tom Hanks ..but sweet Tom, true Elvis fans know very much about Colonel Parker.

Tom Hanks was really transformed in this movie looks hair weight accent! Great transformation!

Respect to both actors for even Thinking about taking on this movie 💯✌🏼💛

Saw it tonight it was incredible

I was born in 1966 and I can't remember a time when Elvis wasn't a part of my life. I remember the despair my mum felt when he passed. A bit of respect died when he said Elvis was "done".

Austin Butler looks like a young Val Kilmer here 😊 In any event, I’ll be watching this film!

I do remember Elvis for his beautiful voice, and the positive energy on stage. His dancing moves are original but also created his own moves. I love to dance to the beat of his music today in 2022. Yes, I agree his silly movies stories were not good, but people watch those films to see and mostly hear his songs.