Austin Butler Shines in New Aronofsky Caper as Reviews and Insider Stories Surface

August 27, 2025 - Today brought fresh insights into Austin Butler’s latest collaboration with director Darren Aronofsky.

A highly anticipated review from /Film applauded Butler’s “movie star charisma” in the crime thriller Caught Stealing, highlighting his effortless screen presence as bartender-turned-reluctant criminal Hank Thompson and praising the film’s straightforward, high-energy thrills. The critique noted that Butler “commits to the role admirably,” anchoring an ensemble cast that includes Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Bad Bunny, and Regina King.

Meanwhile, Variety published an exclusive interview in which Butler revealed the lengths he went to immerse himself in the character. To transform the soundstage into a lived-in East Village apartment, he admitted he “slept there all night and woke up to the crew arriving while I was just in my underwear,” saying the experience made the set “something more real” and deepened his connection to Hank’s world. Aronofsky also shared that he sometimes encouraged Butler to dial back his signature method acting to maintain a relaxed performance.

With Caught Stealing hitting theaters on August 29, today’s coverage underscores both Butler’s rising star power and his dedication to fully inhabiting each role-elements that position him as one of Hollywood’s most compelling leading men.