The Hottest-Ever Photos of Austin Butler The actor, who is dating Kaia Gerber, got his biggest break yet with a leading role in the new Baz Luhrmann film By Kate Hogan Kate Hogan Instagram Twitter Kate Hogan is Director of Digital Specials and Features at PEOPLE.In her 14 years at the brand, she has covered everything from pets and babies to style and Sexiest Man Alive, interviewing celebrities including Céline Dion, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Evans.Currently, she oversees the creation of photo galleries that complement breaking news and major PEOPLE moments like The Beautiful Issue and 100 Reasons to Love America.She has offered expert celebrity commentary on Good Morning America and Access Hollywood.Before joining PEOPLE in 2008, Kate was an editorial assistant at Morris Visitor Publications.She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication and resides outside of Chicago with her husband and three kids.

People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 17, 2022 10:55 AM Share Tweet Pin Email 01 of 12 Elvis Presley (L); Austin Butler.

Getty; Theo Wargo/Getty Introducing …

Elvis Presley! In July of 2019, news broke that Austin Butler landed the role of The King , a coveted spot in director Baz Luhrmann’s latest movie that also features Tom Hanks.The film hit theaters on June 24, 2022.

The actor, now 31, has been in the spotlight for a while , with roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Dead Don’t Die , plus a string of TV hits and a stint on Broadway.He also happens to date model Kaia Gerber (and previously dated Vanessa Hudgens).

“Throughout the casting process, it was an honor for me to encounter such a vast array of talent,” said Luhrmann.”I had heard about Austin Butler from his standout role opposite Denzel Washington in The Iceman Cometh on Broadway, and through a journey of extensive screen testing and music and performance workshops, I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures.”

Here, more reasons why he’s a perfect King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

02 of 12 He’s Got the Brooding Look Down Theo Wargo/Getty A natural blond, he dyed his hair black for the part.

03 of 12 He Looks Cute in Glasses Chelsea Lauren/WWD/Shutterstock Not necessary to play Elvis, but bonus points.

04 of 12 He Looks Great in a Tux Matt Baron/Shutterstock Hands in pockets, casual.

05 of 12 He Can See Into Your Soul Rob Kim/Getty Or at least past the cameras at a photo call for his 2018 Broadway show, The Iceman Cometh.

06 of 12 He’s Got the Messy Hair Thing Down Todd Williamson/MTV1415/Getty Exactly right for a SoCal-born kid.

07 of 12 He Can Make PJs Fashion Venturelli/Getty Essential for any celebrity.

08 of 12 He and Kaia Are Beyond Adorable Kevin Mazur/Getty Like Elvis and Priscilla, Gen Z edition.

09 of 12 He Stands Out from the Crowd Samir Hussein/WireImage Much like The King.

10 of 12 He’s Suave Austin Butler.Jamie McCarthy/Getty He could’ve finished this look with blue suede shoes.

11 of 12 He’s Good with Babies Ashley Tisdale/Instagram Pal Ashley Tisdale’s little girl Jupiter looked quite charmed at their first meeting.

12 of 12 He Earned Rave Reviews Warner Bros.Presley’s widow Priscilla posted on Facebook after watching the film, calling Butler “outstanding.”

“It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered,” she added.

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