Hollywood heartthrob Austin Butler is giving fans an insider look at what it really takes to transform into a washed-up, ex-baseball player for his latest film, Caught Stealing.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the 34-year-old star steps into the shoes of Hank Thompson, a former athlete turned bartender who finds himself caught in crime in 1990s New York.
Bulking Up for the Big Screen
To convincingly portray a former sportsman, Austin committed to a rigorous diet and workout plan, packing on 35 pounds to go from 150lbs to 185lbs.
But it wasn’t just about overall weight gain—there was a very specific area Darren wanted him to focus on.
“I actually have a whole section of just baseball players’ a**es that he would send me,” Austin joked in Men’s Health. “He was like, ‘Look how thick they are!’”
His nutrition plan included hearty, character-driven meals—think pizza washed down with beer—to match Hank Thompson’s dissolute lifestyle.
Despite this, Austin admitted, “Drinking has never been my thing. I don’t like the way it makes me feel.”
Training With Hollywood Experts
Beth Lewis, the renowned trainer behind Hugh Jackman’s roles in Deadpool and Wolverine, crafted Austin’s exercise regimen.
It was packed with hip thrusters and other moves designed to build the curves and strength necessary for his character.
The transformation did come with some wardrobe consequences.
“I’ve got a whole section of Celine pants that I just can’t even wear anymore,” Austin confessed.
From Slender to Muscular
When discussions about Caught Stealing began, Austin was notably slim, still riding the adrenaline of awards season, sometimes skipping meals due to nerves.
Over the years, he’s undergone multiple dramatic body changes for various roles—like his indulgent doughnut and molten ice cream diet for his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Elvis in 2022.
For his next role as a hitman in the A24 thriller Enemies, Austin shifted gears, focusing on lean muscle with protein-rich meals like chicken kebabs, omelets, and steak, combined with seven-day-a-week workouts.
Learning From the Best in the Business
Austin has also worked with Navy Seal-turned-trainer Duffy Gaver, who has trained stars such as Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Channing Tatum, and Brad Pitt.
Recalling the process, Austin said, “He just ramps up the weight, so you’re just getting heavier and heavier.
I remember him telling me: ‘Chicken, broccoli, brown rice, and lift, motherf***ers.’”
Cheat Meals Are Sacred
Even with his intense routines, Austin doesn’t shy away from indulgence.
His cheat meals are legendary: “French toast, pancakes, pizza, and pasta, all at the same time.”
Star-Studded Cast and Upcoming Release
Caught Stealing also features a powerhouse ensemble including Zoe Kravitz, Regina King, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith, and Liev Schreiber.
The film is set to hit theaters next Friday, August 29, promising a gripping look at crime, personal struggle, and redemption in 1990s New York.
