Austin Butler’s Career: From ‘Aliens in the Attic’ to ‘Eddington’

Austin Butler is an American actor who has undergone a remarkable career transformation, evolving from a teen heartthrob to a critically acclaimed leading man. He began his career with guest roles on popular kids’ television shows, quickly becoming a familiar face to young audiences. His early work was defined by his classic good looks and charming on-screen presence, which landed him lead roles in several teen-oriented series and films.

Driven by a desire for more challenging work, Butler began to seek out more complex and demanding roles in independent films, on Broadway, and in major television events. This period of intense dedication to his craft culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime role that completely redefined his career and established him as a major Hollywood star. His commitment to immersive, transformative performances has made him one of the most exciting actors of his generation.

‘Aliens in the Attic’ (2009)

Austin Butler had a supporting role as Jake Pearson in the family-friendly science-fiction comedy ‘Aliens in the Attic’. The film is about a group of kids who discover a group of small, friendly aliens in the attic of their vacation home. They must team up to protect the aliens from a group of evil aliens who want to take over the world.

Jake is the seemingly perfect boyfriend of one of the main characters, but it is later revealed that his body has been taken over and controlled by the evil aliens. The role was a fun part in a mainstream family film that allowed Butler to showcase his comedic skills. It was one of his first major movie roles after years of working in television.

‘Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure’ (2011)

In ‘Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure’, Butler played Peyton Leverett. The film is a direct-to-video spin-off from the ‘High School Musical’ franchise, focusing on the character of Sharpay Evans as she moves to New York City to pursue a career on Broadway. Peyton is an aspiring film student who befriends Sharpay and helps her navigate the city.

This was a leading role that placed Butler firmly in the world of teen-centric entertainment. He played the charming and supportive love interest, a role that capitalized on his growing popularity with younger audiences. The part further solidified his status as a teen heartthrob.

‘My Uncle Rafael’ (2012)

Butler played Cody Beck in the independent comedy ‘My Uncle Rafael’. The film is about a dysfunctional American family who agrees to be the subject of a reality TV show. The show’s producers bring in an old Armenian man to live with them and try to fix their problems. Cody is the family’s arrogant and materialistic teenage son.

The role of a spoiled teenager was a departure from his more charming characters. It allowed him to play a more comedic and unlikable part in a quirky ensemble film. The movie was a small, character-driven comedy that showed his willingness to work on a variety of different projects.

‘The Carrie Diaries’ (2013–2014)

Butler had a main role as Sebastian Kydd in the television series ‘The Carrie Diaries’. The show served as a prequel to ‘Sex and the City’, following a teenage Carrie Bradshaw in the 1980s as she navigates high school, her first experiences in New York City, and her first love. Sebastian is the brooding and popular new kid at school who becomes Carrie’s main romantic interest.

For two seasons, the role of Sebastian Kydd made Butler a major television star and a teen icon. His character was the classic high school heartthrob, and his on-screen chemistry with the show’s lead was a central part of its appeal. The series was a significant milestone in his early career.

‘The Intruders’ (2015)

In the horror-thriller ‘The Intruders’, Butler starred as Noah Henry. The film is about a teenage girl who, after her mother’s death, moves into a new house with her father. She soon becomes convinced that the house is haunted and that someone is trying to terrorize her. Noah is a local boy she befriends who helps her investigate the strange occurrences.

This leading role in a thriller was a move toward more mature and genre-based work. He played the supportive but suspicious friend, a key figure in the film’s central mystery. The part showed his interest in exploring different genres outside of teen romance and comedy.

‘Yoga Hosers’ (2016)

Butler played Hunter Calloway in the horror-comedy ‘Yoga Hosers’, directed by Kevin Smith. The film is about two teenage yoga enthusiasts who work at a convenience store and must battle an ancient evil that rises from beneath the store. Hunter is a popular and handsome older boy who is the object of the main characters’ affection.

The role was a small, satirical part in a highly unconventional and bizarre film. He played a stereotypical “cool guy” character with a dark secret. The movie was a quirky cult project that allowed him to work with a well-known independent director.

‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (2016–2017)

Butler took on the lead role of Wil Ohmsford in the fantasy television series ‘The Shannara Chronicles’. Based on a popular series of novels, the show is set in a magical, post-apocalyptic world. Wil is a half-human, half-elf who discovers he is the last descendant of an ancient royal family and must embark on a quest to save the world from demons.

This starring role in a major fantasy series was a significant step in his career. It was a physically demanding part that required him to lead a large-scale production with extensive special effects. The show demonstrated his ability to be a compelling action hero and expanded his international fan base.

‘Dude’ (2018)

In the coming-of-age comedy ‘Dude’, Butler played Thomas Daniels. The film follows a group of four female best friends during their last two weeks of high school. The story explores their friendship, their anxieties about the future, and their experiences with loss. Thomas is the older brother of one of the main characters.

The supporting role was part of a grounded and realistic look at teenage life. He played a more mature and responsible character, offering advice and support to his younger sister. The film was a character-driven story that continued his transition away from broader teen roles.

‘The Dead Don’t Die’ (2019)

In Jim Jarmusch’s zombie comedy ‘The Dead Don’t Die’, Butler played Jack. He is a young traveler passing through the small town of Centerville with his friend. Their journey is interrupted when the dead begin to rise from their graves, and they are forced to defend themselves at a local motel.

Though a small role, working with a highly respected independent director like Jim Jarmusch was a significant step. It placed him in a star-studded ensemble cast and signaled his growing reputation as a serious actor. His part was a memorable one in the film’s deadpan and satirical take on the zombie genre.

‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ (2019)

Butler had a chilling and transformative role as Charles “Tex” Watson in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Tex was a real-life central member of the Manson Family. The film reimagines the events leading up to the infamous 1969 murders, and Butler’s character is a key figure in the film’s tense climax.

His performance was a complete departure from any of his previous work. He was menacing and unsettling, fully embodying the quiet fanaticism of the character. The role was a critical moment in his career, proving he was capable of incredible range and intensity.

‘Elvis’ (2022)

Butler delivered a career-defining performance as Elvis Presley in the biographical musical drama ‘Elvis’. The film, directed by Baz Luhrmann, chronicles the life and career of the legendary King of Rock and Roll, from his early days to his tragic death. Butler famously spent years preparing for the role, immersing himself in Presley’s life.

His transformative performance was a global phenomenon, earning him universal critical acclaim and numerous major award nominations. He perfectly captured Presley’s voice, physicality, and electrifying stage presence. The role launched him into superstardom and established him as a major dramatic actor.

‘The Bikeriders’ (2023)

In ‘The Bikeriders’, Butler played Benny, a member of a 1960s motorcycle club in the Midwest. The film charts the club’s evolution over a decade, from a tight-knit community of outsiders into a more dangerous and violent gang. Benny is a handsome, rebellious, and loyal member torn between his wife and his commitment to the club’s leader.

The role allowed Butler to showcase a different kind of charisma, embodying the cool and quiet rebellion of 1960s counterculture. He held his own in a cast of acclaimed actors, delivering a magnetic performance that was both tough and vulnerable. The film further cemented his status as a compelling leading man.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Butler played the villainous Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in the science-fiction epic ‘Dune: Part Two’. He is the cruel and psychopathic nephew of the Baron Harkonnen and the chosen champion of his house. The character is known for his deadly skill in knife combat and his sadistic nature.

He was completely unrecognizable in the role, shaving his head and eyebrows for the part. His performance was terrifying, charismatic, and physically imposing, creating a truly memorable and formidable antagonist. The role in the massive blockbuster hit showcased his incredible range and his ability to disappear into a character.

‘Masters of the Air’ (2024)

Butler starred as Major Gale Cleven in the World War II drama series ‘Masters of the Air’. The show follows the real-life story of the 100th Bomb Group, an American B-17 bomber squadron that flew dangerous missions over Nazi Germany. Cleven was a confident and respected squadron leader.

This lead role in a major, high-budget television event was another prestigious project. He delivered a powerful and understated performance, capturing the quiet courage and leadership of a real-life war hero. The series was a critical success and continued to showcase his talent for portraying historical figures.

‘Eddington’ (2025)

Butler stars in the film ‘Eddington’, a contemporary Western from acclaimed director Ari Aster. The story follows a small-town New Mexico sheriff with higher aspirations. The film features a star-studded ensemble cast and is described as a dark comedy set during the pandemic.

This project sees Butler re-teaming with another celebrated and distinctive director. His role in the highly anticipated film continues his streak of working on ambitious and original projects. It further demonstrates his commitment to collaborating with some of the most interesting filmmakers in the industry.

Which one of Austin Butler’s transformative performances has impressed you the most?