Austin Butler adopted an unconventional method to prepare for his role in Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming movie Caught Stealing, which centers on a baseball player entangled in criminal activities. To accurately portray the character’s physical presence, Butler closely examined Major League Baseball players, focusing even on their physiques, including their backsides.
The Oscar-nominated actor followed guidance from director Darren Aronofsky, who believed that studying professional athletes’ builds would help Butler embody the role’s specific body language.
Physical Training and Dietary Challenges
Alongside analyzing athletes’ physiques, Butler engaged in a rigorous fitness regimen under the supervision of trainer Beth Lewis, known for sculpting Hugh Jackman’s physique for Deadpool and Wolverine. This intense workout program aimed to build Butler’s strength and endurance to match a professional baseball player’s form.
Six months into the transformation, Butler gained 35 pounds, moving from 150 to 185 pounds. Despite this, he confessed to struggling with some aspects of the process, particularly the diet prescribed to him.
Drinking has never been my thing,
he shared, despite being instructed to increase his calorie intake with pizza and beer.
I don’t like the way it makes me feel.
The actor also humorously noted an unexpected wardrobe consequence of his weight gain, saying,
I’ve got a whole section of Celine pants that I just can’t even wear anymore,
reflecting the physical changes required for the character.
Evolving Approach to Acting Beyond Physicality
Butler’s preparation extended beyond physical transformation, as his philosophy toward acting has matured over time. Earlier in his career, he believed that acting required enduring emotional turmoil until feeling broken. Now, he aims to incorporate all parts of himself, even uncomfortable or “gross” elements, into his performances.
His mindset evolved significantly after his role in Elvis, an experience that brought him an Academy Award nomination in 2022 but also left him adrift after its conclusion.
Reflecting on that period, Butler said,
And then it’s like, ‘Wait, what do I focus on now? What do I read about? What do I watch? What do I like?’ And also, I haven’t talked to my friends. ‘Who do I call?’
Balancing Career Demands with Personal Connections
To maintain his wellbeing amid Hollywood’s demanding environment, Butler has learned to rely on personal relationships for grounding. He described the film set routine as restrictive and isolating, explaining how it often centers entirely around his role and schedule.
There’s something about filming: Everybody tells you what time to show up, they get you dressed, they show you where your mark is,
he said.
It can be very infantilizing, and it can be very centered on me. It feels better when I’m calling a friend and just going, ‘I don’t need anything from you; I just want to know: Are you okay? Can I do anything for you?’
This shift highlights Butler’s effort to stay connected and support others, rather than solely focusing inward during intense projects.
