Austin Butler Gets Dirty in Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing ⚾
Darren Aronofsky is back — and he’s dragging Austin Butler straight into the sweaty, neon chaos of '90s downtown NYC. Caught Stealing is officially set to hit theaters August 27 via Sony, and thanks to Vanity Fair, we’ve got our first batch of eight slick new images (plus some behind-the-scenes goodies because we’re spoiled like that). 👀
Vanity Fair | Sony Pctures
So, what’s the vibe?
Think Uncut Gems levels of anxiety but swap the jewelers for dirty baseball uniforms. Butler plays a burned-out former pro ball player who gets pulled deep into the criminal underworld — a world of grimy alleys, shady deals, and no way out. The movie is based on Charlie Huston’s novel (he wrote the screenplay too), and Sony’s calling it a “thriller,” but with Aronofsky at the wheel, expect something way more chaotic and existential.
The cast is absolutely stacked: Zoë Kravitz brings the cool, Matt Smith delivers the edge, Regina King adds powerhouse energy, and we’re also getting Vincent D’Onofrio, Liev Schreiber, Bad Bunny (flex), and Griffin Dunne. Dunne’s inclusion feels intentional — he starred in Scorsese’s After Hours, a movie Aronofsky specifically told Butler to study before filming. If that’s not a giant flashing “this movie’s about to be insane” sign, what is?
It’s a late-summer release, which feels a little random for a heavy thriller, but honestly? Could be a smart move. Caught Stealing might hit that sweet spot when people are craving something gritty after months of glossy blockbusters. Plus, nothing says “fall is coming” like a grimy NYC crime saga. 🍂
For Butler, this could be another major flex post-Elvis. He’s been carefully picking projects that stretch him beyond just "pretty face" status (Dune: Part Two anybody?). If he nails this, he’s not just a heartthrob — he’s a serious A-lister.
As for Aronofsky — The Whale may have earned Brendan Fraser an Oscar, but reactions were...mixed (no shade, just facts). Personally? I’m way more hyped for the Aronofsky who gave us The Wrestler, Black Swan, and Requiem for a Dream — movies that punch you in the gut and haunt your dreams for days. Caught Stealing feels like it could be that guy again.
Scoop Hunter | @NYCPAP
Drop your bets: Will Caught Stealing be Aronofsky’s sweaty, chaotic masterpiece? Or will it be another stylish misfire? ⚾🖤
Tell us in the comments — and if you spot any tea about the cast filming around NYC...you know where to send it. 📩👀
Public Visionary
Public Visionary
