In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Austin Butler shared his experience working on the highly anticipated miniseries Masters of the Air. The actor, who also stars as Elvis Presley in an upcoming biopic, had the opportunity to collaborate with industry heavyweights Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman on the World War II drama. Butler revealed that Hanks actually pitched him the project over dinner, just as they were wrapping up filming for Elvis.
For Butler, the decision to join Masters of the Air was a no-brainer. As a fan of Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Saving Private Ryan, he was thrilled to be a part of the spiritual successor to these critically acclaimed miniseries. He recognized that working with Hanks, Spielberg, and Goetzman was a rare opportunity that he couldn't pass up.
Despite falling ill right after wrapping up Elvis, Butler jumped straight into filming Masters of the Air in England. While he didn't have much time to prepare beforehand, he took advantage of his quarantine period to immerse himself in the story. He read the book on which the series is based, rewatched Band of Brothers and The Pacific, and went through an intense boot camp to get into character.
One of the crucial elements of the show is the friendship between Butler's character, Gale 'Buck' Cleven, and Callum Turner's character, John 'Bucky' Egan. Butler and Turner recognized the importance of their characters' bond and made a conscious effort to connect on a personal level. They spent time together, discussing their fears, dreams, and life experiences, building a strong foundation for their on-screen friendship.
Butler also shared some behind-the-scenes details about filming the intense flight sequences. Thanks to innovative technology, the actors were able to react to realistic visuals on high-definition screens and shoot their scenes on a gimbal, giving them the sensation of actually flying a plane. The attention to detail and immersive filming experience created a sense of authenticity that viewers will surely appreciate.
As for Butler's other big project, Dune: Part Two, he expressed his deep love for the film, using director Denis Villeneuve's catchphrase. While juggling the production schedule for Dune and the busy awards season for Elvis, Butler relied on taking it one moment at a time and feeling grateful for the opportunities he was given.
Masters of the Air, which began streaming on Apple TV+ recently, promises to be a compelling and gripping series that pays homage to the brave B-17 fighter pilots during World War II. With a talented cast and a team of renowned creators behind it, the miniseries is sure to captivate audiences and deliver an unforgettable viewing experience.
