Austin Butler Reveals Intense Physical Toll Filming 'Caught Stealing'

In a revealing interview with Entertainment Weekly, Austin Butler opened up about the extreme physical demands he endured for his starring role in Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller, "Caught Stealing" . The film, now in theaters, casts Butler as Hank Thompson, a former baseball player whose life spirals into chaos after a seemingly simple favor—watching his neighbor’s cat—catapults him into a web of violence, betrayal, and survival.

Hank’s ordeal is both harrowing and visceral. Over the course of the film, he’s beaten, battered, and left for dead, with the story culminating in the loss of a kidney. While the film’s violence is meticulously choreographed, Butler revealed that the physical toll continued off-camera. “I lost skin and hair bringing this character to life,” Butler told Entertainment Weekly, emphasizing that his commitment went far beyond performance, bordering on method acting at times .

One of Butler’s worst injuries did not come from a dramatic fight scene, but rather an everyday moment turned hazardous. “There’s a moment where I jump over a counter, and I hit my shin,” Butler explained. “I cut my shin open, on a metal thing that was on the other side, a metal cabinet or something. This sharp metal piece was there. So, I cut myself open” . Despite the pain, Butler pressed on, embodying the relentless energy and vulnerability required for a character constantly on the run.

Butler’s commitment did not go unnoticed by director Darren Aronofsky and co-star Zoë Kravitz, who marveled at the authenticity and emotional depth he brought to the role. The production’s demanding physicality also mirrored the film’s emotional stakes, with Butler’s injuries serving as both a literal and figurative representation of Hank’s battered spirit .

To fully inhabit Hank’s world, Butler took his preparation to an immersive level. He admitted to spending nights on the set apartment, even sleeping in his underwear to acclimate to the environment and the energy of New York’s East Village, where much of the film was shot . “We filmed all around, especially in the East Village all night long,” Butler shared. “I wanted to make it feel as real as possible.”

Kravitz, who plays a pivotal role alongside Butler, described their collaboration as “incredible,” highlighting the trust and creativity they brought to their scenes. Aronofsky, known for drawing intense performances from his actors, encouraged Butler to explore adrenaline-fueled reactions, sometimes overriding the actor’s instinct to portray pain in the moment. “The adrenaline’s pumping so much that you would just go and you feel it afterward,” Butler recounted Aronofsky telling him .

While "Caught Stealing" is a crime thriller at its core, the film’s themes of survival, resilience, and chosen family resonate deeply with many in the LGBTQ+ community. The narrative’s focus on a protagonist navigating marginalization and violence echoes experiences familiar to those who have faced adversity for their identities or circumstances. Butler’s willingness to physically and emotionally inhabit Hank’s struggle models a kind of radical vulnerability that can be especially meaningful for LGBTQ+ audiences, who often see their own perseverance mirrored in stories of survival.

The film’s creative team, including Aronofsky and Kravitz, have long histories as allies and advocates for inclusive storytelling. Kravitz herself has spoken about the importance of representation both on and off the screen, while Aronofsky’s filmography frequently explores themes of outsiderhood and transformation . The collaborative nature of the "Caught Stealing" set, described as supportive and dynamic by both Butler and Kravitz, underscores the production’s commitment to creating space for diverse voices and stories.

For LGBTQ+ viewers and creators, stories like "Caught Stealing" offer more than entertainment—they serve as a reflection of the ongoing struggle for dignity amid adversity. The film’s depiction of physical and psychological endurance can be read as an allegory for the fight for visibility and acceptance that LGBTQ+ people continue to face globally. Butler’s frank discussion of the pain, exhaustion, and triumph involved in his process opens a dialogue about the sacrifices artists make to bring authentic, resonant stories to the screen.

Moreover, the film’s New York setting—long a hub of queer culture and activism—provides a backdrop rich with LGBTQ+ history. From the Stonewall uprising to modern-day advocacy, the city’s legacy as a sanctuary for those seeking community and self-expression imbues "Caught Stealing" with an added layer of significance .

Austin Butler’s experience on "Caught Stealing" is a testament to the power of art that demands everything from its creators. By sharing his journey—from lost skin and hair to the emotional depths required by the role—Butler invites audiences to recognize the courage involved in telling hard truths, whether on screen or in daily life. For LGBTQ+ audiences, the film and its making are a reminder that authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience are not only cinematic virtues, but lived experiences worthy of celebration and respect.