Callum Turner and Austin Butler's Friendship Started with an 'Elvis' Joke

Callum Turners 1st Conversation With Austin Butler Included an Elvis Joke to Kick Off Friendship

Callum Turner and Austin Butler Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Callum Turner and Austin Butler's friendship started before they began filming Masters of the Air when Turner sent Butler a message. In an interview with British GQ published on March 12, Turner, 34, described the message as sounding like a voice note from Elvis Presley. Turner shared that he responded to Butler's message by saying, "Elvis has left the building."

Turner and Butler, aged 32, play the roles of Major John “Bucky” Egan and Major Gale “Buck” Cleven in Masters of the Air. The show debuted on Apple TV+ in January and is set to wrap up its season with the finale airing on Friday, March 15.

In the series, Turner’s character Egan and Butler’s character Cleven share a strong bond as close friends who have endured the traumatic experiences of World War II. Interestingly, off-screen, the two actors also quickly formed a genuine connection.

Turner shared, "Austin and I have a unique bond. It's meaningful and goes deep. Over the years, I've met friends who I cherish. There are also colleagues who you enjoy working with and have a great time, but they might not become your close friend. You still care for them. However, Austin is more than just a colleague to me, he is my friend."

Callum Turners 1st Conversation With Austin Butler Included an Elvis Joke to Kick Off Friendship

Callum Turner and Austin Butler Leon Bennett/WireImage/Getty Images

In addition to their intense military boot camp, Turner said that he and Butler had to take dance classes together.

He remembered how great Austin was at it, while admitting, "I've got two left feet."

Turner and Butler, as the main characters in Masters of the Air and playing high-ranking officers, also led the way for their fellow actors.

Turner mentioned that if someone misbehaved, they would be called out on it. He acknowledged that with 100 young men on a film set, things could get rowdy at times, but nothing too extreme happened. It was just a matter of telling someone to quiet down if needed.

The close friendship between Turner and Butler has not gone unnoticed by fans of the show. Fan edits of the duo from the Masters of the Air press tour have been circulating on social media. One TikTok video even captioned them as "Husbands in another timeline."

The show provided Turner with an opportunity to showcase his vocal abilities, as his character is American. Despite being British, Turner dedicated a significant amount of time to perfecting his American accent. He worked closely with a dialect coach for two hours daily, along with an additional hour of practice outside of their sessions. Throughout the 10 months of filming Masters of the Air, Turner remained committed to speaking only in his American accent.

Turner described the intense process of mastering the accent, stating, "I’d put my mouth in the position it needed to be in; my tongue in the position it needed to be in. For 10 months, I spoke more as John Egan than me." This dedication to his character's accent demonstrates Turner's commitment to his role and the authenticity of his performance.

Editor's P/S:

Callum Turner and Austin Butler's friendship, forged through their shared experiences in "Masters of the Air," serves as a testament to the transformative power of human connection. Their bond, transcending the boundaries of the screen, has captured the imagination of fans, who see in their camaraderie a reflection of the enduring bonds that can arise amidst adversity. Turner's dedication to his American accent further highlights the depth of his commitment to his craft, showcasing his willingness to immerse himself fully in the complexities of his character.

The article also sheds light on the challenges and responsibilities faced by Turner and Butler as leaders on the set of "Masters of the Air." Their ability to maintain order and foster a respectful environment speaks to their maturity and professionalism. The camaraderie shared by Turner and Butler, both on and off-screen, serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection and the profound impact it can have on our lives..