Hollywood star Austin Butler plays Spin to Win on This Morning

January 22, 2024

A List guests on today’s This Morning

Dermot O’Leary and Sian Welby hosted a star-studded lineup on This Morning, featuring guests Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Kevin Hart who temporarily traded Hollywood for the studio environment.

In a surprise twist, Austin joined Dermot and Sian for a game of Spin to Win, followed by discussions between Austin and Callum about their involvement in the Apple TV+ drama ‘Masters Of The Air,’ centered around the 100th bomb group in World War II.

Callum emphasized the importance of honoring those who changed the course of history, stating, “It’s about the people who saved the world. These guys really changed the direction of the war, and without them, we wouldn’t be doing what we are doing now. To honor them, play them, and tell their stories – it’s a beautiful thing.”

Reflecting on meeting American actor Dale Dye, Austin shared, “I was quite starstruck by him. Captain Dale Dye, he led the bootcamps for Saving Private Ryan, Platoon, Band of Brothers.”

Discussing the responsibility of portraying real stories, Callum stressed, “There is always a level of responsibility when you’re taking on a real person. You have got to honor their legacy. I am so grateful to them for what they did.”

Austin detailed the advanced technology used during filming, describing a setup with high-definition screens and a suspended gimbal, allowing actors to witness fighter pilots and flack in the air. Callum added a humorous touch, joking about feeling jet lag during extended periods in the setup.

The conversation also touched on the extensive production of the series, with Callum highlighting the construction of numerous buildings to recreate the wartime setting. Austin expressed admiration for the bravery of young soldiers leading squadrons.

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart, alongside British star Gugu Mbatha-Raw, joined Dermot and Sian to discuss their new action-packed Netflix movie, ‘Lift.’

Kevin shared a lighthearted anecdote about a celebratory night, mentioning drinking vintage tequila and later receiving a hangover cure from Phil Vickery in the form of Bloody Mary cocktails and hash browns.

Kevin discussed his transition to more serious roles, stating, “The thought of actually getting to the space and place to play an action at this level, it’s always been a want, but it’s just something that you have to be patient about.”

Gugu emphasized the importance of stretching oneself in the industry and working with different artists to expand one’s skill set. Kevin added that comedy is harder than drama, as it relies on the audience’s laughter.

The interview also delved into Gugu’s ‘full circle moment’ filming on South Bank, London, where she used to work as a tour guide, a story Kevin praised as a testament to maintaining grounding despite success.

To watch the full show, visit itv.com/watch/this-morning.

Watch This Morning from 10am weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX