03 February 2023 , 13:12
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Austin Butler has admitted he "probably damaged my vocal chords" after taking on the role of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's biopic Elvis.
The 31-year-old actor sent fans into overdrive last month when accepting a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of the legendary singer as he spoke using an Elvis-style twang.
Fans shared their confusion on Twitter, with some slamming Austin for using a "fake" accent.
The star has now admitted he is trying to get rid of the Tennessee accent and said his vocal chords took a hit "with all that singing".
"I am getting rid of the accent, but I have probably damaged my vocal cords with all that singing. One song took 40 takes," Austin said.
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Austin Butler starred in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic (Warner Bros)The film has been well-received by critics and has gained eight Oscar nominations.
"It has been a whirlwind and it’s amazing because when you are making a film you never really know how it will be received.
"With this one there were so many ways it could go wrong so to be received in the way it has means the world to me," Austin said during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
The actor stars in Elvis alongside Tom Hanks, who plays Elvis' manager Colonel Tom Parker, someone who Austin has admired for a long time.
The actor opened up about his accent (PA)
He recently won a Golden Globe for his role as Elvis (NBC via Getty Images)Austin said: "I had no idea what it was going to be like meeting someone you have admired for so long. You hope they would be warm to you, but you never really know.
"He is such a master of his craft, and I was intimidated, but the first time I met him he gave me the biggest bear hug and joked about how nervous he was."
He added: "When I said I was terrified, he said, 'And, nobody knows what Colonel Parker sounds like, but everyone knows what Elvis sounds like'."
Austin's voice coach Irene Bartlett recently spoke out about his Elvis accent and said it's possible it will remain "forever".
"What you saw in that Golden Globes speech, that's him. It's genuine, it's not put on," she said during an appearance on ABC's Gold Coast.
She added: "I feel sorry people are saying that, you know, it's still acting. He’s actually taken [the voice of Presley] on board. I don't know how long that will last, or if it’s going to be there forever."
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The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC One on Friday at 10.40pm.