Austin Butler has revealed a striking physical transformation as he prepares for his upcoming film, Caught Stealing. The Elvis star showcased his shirtless, toned physique in recent photos, highlighting the rigorous process behind his buff transformation requested by director Darren Aronofsky.
In Caught Stealing, Butler portrays a former baseball player whose appearance needed to balance muscular definition without being overly bulky. He worked extensively to achieve this look, which supports the film’s portrayal of a worn-out athlete.
Method and Training Behind Butler’s New Physique
To prepare for the role, Butler trained with Beth Lewis, a renowned fitness coach who has also trained Hugh Jackman. His regimen focused on building muscle mass, lifting his weight from 150 to 185 pounds through exercises including numerous hip thrusters. Lewis emphasized steady nutrition, and Butler was advised to maintain a high-calorie intake, including occasional beer, to meet the director’s vision.
Reflecting on the creative process with Aronofsky, Butler explained,
I actually have a whole section of just baseball players’ asses that he would send me,
—Austin Butler, Actor.
He was like, ‘Look how thick they are!’
—Austin Butler, Actor.
Contrast with Previous Role and Lifestyle Changes
This transformation contrasts sharply with Butler’s preparation for his role in Elvis, where he gained weight through a diet heavy in donuts and melted ice cream. However, by awards season, he had shed most of this weight, citing nerves and anxiety that often caused him to skip meals. Training for Caught Stealing marked a shift toward more disciplined physical preparation without sacrificing comfort.
Butler also joked about the impact on his wardrobe saying,
I’ve got a whole section of Celine pants that I just can’t even wear anymore.
—Austin Butler, Actor.
Previous Training Experience Influencing Current Approach
Butler’s dedication to transforming his body was influenced by his past experience working with former Navy SEAL trainer Duffy Gaver for Dune: Part Two. Gaver guided him through rigorous weight training and a strict diet consisting largely of chicken, broccoli, and brown rice. Butler recalled,
I remember him telling me, ‘Chicken, broccoli, brown rice, and lift, motherf–kers.’
—Austin Butler, Actor.
This prior experience provided a foundation for approaching his physical roles with precision and commitment.
Shifting Perspective on Acting and Self-Integration
Aside from physical transformation, Butler has also developed a new mindset toward his craft. He shared that he once believed acting required enduring overwhelming hardship. However, his current approach involves embracing all parts of himself, including the difficult emotions. He explained,
For a long time, I felt that it had to be a tortured process,
—Austin Butler, Actor.
and I would come out the other side broken.
—Austin Butler, Actor.
He continued,
Rather than just putting parts of yourself away and trying to pretend that they don’t exist, it’s like going into the gross bits of yourself,
—Austin Butler, Actor.
going into the bits that you don’t want to look at—and finding a way of integrating that into the whole.
—Austin Butler, Actor.
Other Notable Celebrity Physical Transformations
Christian Bale’s Weight Changes for Multiple Roles
British actor Christian Bale is well-known for dramatic physical changes for his characters. For 2013’s American Hustle, Bale gained over 40 pounds to portray a beer-bellied con artist. He gained a similar amount of weight to play U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney in 2018’s Vice, earning an Oscar nomination for both roles.
Bale also lost 70 pounds for 2019’s Ford v Ferrari to embody slender race car driver Ken Miles, a transformation that followed previous weight loss of around 30 pounds for his role in 2011’s The Fighter.
Glenn Close’s Transformation with Makeup and Prosthetics
For the 2020 film Hillbilly Elegy, Glenn Close’s transformation into Appalachian grandmother Mamaw Vance required extensive makeup and prosthetic work. Artist Matthew Mungle sculpted false ears and a false nose for Close using her head cast from the 2011 film Albert Nobbs. Close’s powerful performance earned her an Oscar nomination.
Sebastian Stan’s Preparation to Portray Donald Trump
Sebastian Stan adapted his appearance and physique to play Donald Trump in The Apprentice. He collaborated with the hairstylist and makeup team who worked on his transformation into Tommy Lee in the 2022 film Pam & Tommy. Stan also gained weight to match the former president’s frame, enhancing his role as the reality star-turned-president.
Impact and Anticipation for Butler’s Upcoming Film
Austin Butler’s rigorous approach to his buff transformation for Caught Stealing showcases his commitment to tailoring his body to the complexities of his characters. This physical and mental preparation signals a matured artistic process that integrates personal vulnerability with professional discipline. As audiences await the film’s release, Butler’s striking new look is sure to draw attention alongside his nuanced portrayal of a former baseball player grappling with burnout.
