Austin Butler is stepping into a gritty new role in the upcoming crime thriller “Caught Stealing,” directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film features Butler as Hank Thompson, a former baseball player turned bartender whose life takes a chaotic turn after he agrees to care for his punk-rock neighbor Russ’s (played by Matt Smith) cat. As seen in the trailer released this week, Hank’s act of kindness quickly spirals into turmoil when he is violently confronted by gangsters at the door.
In the newly unveiled scenes, we see Butler alongside his girlfriend, portrayed by Zoë Kravitz, as they try to navigate the unexpected dangers that unfold. The situation escalates with the arrival of various threats, including Bad Bunny, who menaces Hank in a scene that highlights the violent repercussions of his innocent actions. Regina King makes an impactful appearance as a character who attempts to guide Hank through the mess, branding the individuals he’s entangled with as “scary monsters.”
As tension mounts, Russ recruits Hank into a dubious $4 million crime operation. The dialogue reveals the grim reality of the situation, with Hank left questioning his fate as Russ bluntly informs him, “You’re f—ed.” Despite the dire circumstances, Hank shows resilience, depicted in vigorous action sequences where he fights for his survival in a fast-paced New York City setting.
Based on Charlie Huston’s 2004 novel of the same name, “Caught Stealing” also stars Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Griffin Dunne, and Carol Kane. Huston not only penned the screenplay but contributes as an executive producer on the project, alongside Darren Aronofsky and others.
The film is set to hit theaters on August 29. The mix of tension and unexpected humor suggests that audiences can expect an engaging and thrilling experience.
Overall, “Caught Stealing” promises to showcase Butler’s range as an actor while embedding adrenaline-fueled cinematics, something audiences will surely look forward to in the late summer’s movie lineup.