Austin Butler’s Bold Decision: How Turning Down Top Gun: Maverick for Tarantino’s Film Paid Off Big Time.
In the world of Hollywood, making career-defining choices is part of the game, but every so often, a decision stands
out for its sheer boldness and eventual payoff. Austin Butler’s decision to turn down the role in Top Gun: Maverick,
one of the most highly anticipated blockbusters of 2022, in favor of working with legendary director Quentin
Tarantino on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood proved to be one of the most rewarding moves of his career.
Butler, who had been slowly building a name for himself with roles in TV series like The Shannara Chronicles and
smaller film projects, was presented with the chance of a lifetime when he was offered a role in Top Gun: Maverick.
The film, a sequel to the iconic Top Gun, promised to be a huge commercial success, with Tom Cruise reprising his
role as Maverick and a cast of young stars that would be thrust into the spotlight. The film had all the makings of a
blockbuster hit, and the opportunity was one that any young actor would have jumped at.
But Austin Butler had a different vision for his career. At the time, he was already in the midst of filming Quentin
Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where he played the role of the infamous Manson Family member, Tex
Watson. The role was a sharp departure from what Top Gun: Maverick had to offer, both in terms of the character
and the style of film making. Tarantino’s films are known for their bold choices, intricate dialogues, and deep, often
disturbing characters—and for Butler, that was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
Choosing to turn down a potentially lucrative, high-profile role in a global franchise in favor of working with one of
the most respected filmmakers of his generation was a huge gamble. It was not just about the financial rewards—it
was about the kind of actor Butler wanted to become. He wanted to be part of something more than just a
commercial juggernaut; he wanted to immerse himself in a project that would push him as an artist and take his
career to new heights, even if it meant missing out on the instant fame Top Gun would bring.
This decision paid off in ways that no one could have predicted. Upon its release, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
became a massive success, both critically and commercially, earning numerous Academy Award nominations,
including Best Picture and Best Director. Butler’s performance as Tex Watson was a standout, impressing critics and
audiences alike with his chilling portrayal of one of the most notorious members of the Manson Family.
What made his decision even more rewarding was the recognition he received for his work. The role brought him
widespread acclaim, and he was soon being talked about as one of the industry’s rising stars. While Top Gun:
Maverick was undoubtedly a success in its own right, grossing over $1.5 billion globally, Butler’s career trajectory
took on a different, more nuanced path. Rather than being cast as just another young fighter pilot in a big-budget
action film, he was now associated with thought-provoking, complex roles, and his place in Hollywood’s elite circle
was solidified.
Butler’s gamble paid off even further when he landed the lead role in Elvis (2022), portraying the legendary Elvis
Presley. This role not only earned him a Golden Globe award but also established him as a major force in Hollywood.
His commitment to his craft and his willingness to choose projects that challenged him over those that offered
immediate fame and fortune made him stand out in an industry often driven by commercial success.
Looking back, Austin Butler’s decision to turn down Top Gun: Maverick in favor of working with Quentin Tarantino
was more than just a career move—it was a statement about the kind of actor he wanted to be. It was a choice that
not only shaped his path but set him on a trajectory that would elevate his career in ways that many could only
dream of. While others may have chosen the safer route to fame, Butler took a risk that paid off tremendously, both
in terms of artistic growth and professional achievement. Today, his decision serves as a powerful reminder that
sometimes, the boldest choices are the ones that yield the greatest rewards.