Oscar nominee Austin Butler took an unconventional and practical approach during the filming of his newest movie, Caught Stealing, by spending a night on set wearing only his underwear. The film, directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Butler alongside Zoë Kravitz, had scenes shot in various New York City locations, and the actor’s decision to rest overnight on a sound stage stands out as a memorable moment amid the hectic shoot.
Butler shared insights about this incident during the Caught Stealing premiere in New York City on August 26, explaining the circumstances that led to his impromptu sleepover on set just before the film’s release on August 29.
Behind the Scenes: Filming Locations and Atmosphere
The filming took place mostly in Brooklyn on a sound stage, which Butler described as having an artificial feel. Shooting locations also included iconic New York neighborhoods such as the East Village, Coney Island, and Brighton Beach, allowing Butler to immerse himself fully in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. His experience working through long nights capturing the local color lent authenticity to the project and gave him a window into the many eclectic personalities that inhabit these areas.
In his interview, Butler reflected humorously on the unique characters he encountered while filming late sessions in the East Village, revealing his appreciation for the local energy that shaped the film’s backdrop.
Strong Collaboration with Co-Star Zoë Kravitz
Austin Butler expressed deep respect and admiration for his co-star Zoë Kravitz, praising her intelligence and creativity as a collaborator. Butler highlighted Kravitz’s talents not only as an actress but also as a director, referencing her 2024 directorial debut on Blink Twice which he called “amazing.”
He remarked on the benefits of working alongside someone who brings ideas and writes scenes, contrasting this with his own more modest approach to the creative process. His comments underscored a sense of humility and genuine admiration.
Butler also observed Kravitz’s nurturing qualities off screen, recalling how she looked out for those around her in a maternal way, further strengthening their working relationship and personal connection.
About Caught Stealing: Plot and Release
Caught Stealing is a crime caper tackling the story of a washed-up baseball phenom who becomes entangled with a gang of criminals while caring for his neighbor’s cat. Butler and Kravitz lead the cast in a film that balances suspense and quirky humor.
The film’s release is scheduled for August 29, 2025, with audiences eager to see the duo’s dynamic on the big screen. The project marks another significant collaboration for both actors in recent years.
Upcoming Films to Watch After Caught Stealing
Alongside Caught Stealing, several notable films are set to hit theaters and streaming platforms during the late summer and fall of 2025. These include a wide array of genres and star-studded casts, presenting options for diverse audience interests.
Crime Thrillers and Mystery Dramas
Weapons (August 8) stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and Alden Ehrenreich in a tense story about children from the same class mysteriously vanishing, leaving a community desperate for answers. This film is available in theaters.
Spike Lee’s new crime thriller Highest 2 Lowest (August 15) features Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, and A$AP Rocky in a plot involving a music mogul caught up in a ransom scheme, launching theatrically on August 15 and streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5.
The crime comedy The Thursday Murder Club (August 28), streaming on Netflix, follows a group of retirees who channel their time into solving cold case murders, with Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley headlining the cast.
Hot on the heels of Caught Stealing, One Battle After Another (September 26) is a crime drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benecio del Toro as ex-revolutionaries united to rescue a friend’s daughter, debuting in theaters late September.
Comedies and Dark Humor
Freakier Friday (August 8), a sequel to the 2003 classic, reunites Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in theaters this August. Dark comedy fans will look forward to Honey Don’t! (August 22), starring Margaret Qualley and Aubrey Plaza as a small-town private investigator uncovering mysterious deaths linked to a church.
Good Fortune (October 17) puts a comedic spin on the supernatural with Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, an inept angel interfering in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy investor (Seth Rogen), now showing in theaters.
Romance and Drama Highlights
The romantic drama The Map That Leads To You (August 20), streaming on Prime Video, features KJ Apa and Madelyn Cline in a story about two strangers connecting during a European journey filled with self-discovery. Separately, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (September 19) stars Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie, detailing the adventures of two strangers at a wedding who relive pivotal moments from their pasts while heading to theaters that month.
After the Hunt (October 10), directed by Luca Guadagnino, explores a professor’s personal crisis when a student accuses a colleague of misconduct, starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield. This drama opens in New York and Los Angeles before expanding nationwide.
Thrillers and Science Fiction Films
The survival thriller Eden (August 22), from Ron Howard, recounts the true story of a group of outsiders seeking a fresh start on an empty island, with Jude Law, Ana de Armas, and Vanessa Kirby leading the cast in theaters. The psychological thriller The Woman in Cabin 10 (October 10), starring Keira Knightley, follows a journalist investigating a disappearance aboard a luxurious cruise ship, streaming on Netflix later this year.
For science fiction fans, Tron: Ares (October 10) returns the franchise with Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges in theaters, and Mortal Kombat II (October 24) continues the video game adaptation saga featuring Karl Urban and Lewis Tan.
Biopics and Historical Dramas
Jaafar Jackson stars in Michael (October 3), a biopic chronicling the life of the King of Pop. Meanwhile, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (October 24) depicts Bruce Springsteen’s recording sessions for his 1982 album Nebraska with Jeremy Allen White portraying the musician.
Additionally, Swiped (September 19) tells the true story of Whitney Wolfe, played by Lily James, as she rises to become the youngest female self-made billionaire via creating the dating app Bumble, available for streaming on Hulu.
Upcoming Films Featuring Renowned Actors
Numerous films slated for late 2025 feature celebrated talent including Ron Howard’s Eden, featuring Daniel Brühl and Sydney Sweeney, and Americana (August 22), a modern western starring Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, and Halsey. The thriller Black Phone 2 (October 17) sees Ethan Hawke reprising his chilling role, while the crime drama One Battle After Another brings together an all-star cast including Regina Hall and Benecio del Toro.
Furthermore, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie (September 26) brings the Netflix children’s series to theaters as Gabby and Grandma Gigi embark on a road trip adventure to save the dollhouse.
Impact and Future Expectations
Austin Butler’s practical and down-to-earth nature on the set of Caught Stealing, including his choice to rest overnight on a sound stage, highlights his dedication and adaptability as an actor in demanding film environments. The collaboration with Zoë Kravitz, praised for her directorial skill and intelligence, suggests a creative synergy likely to enhance the film’s reception. With its release imminent, Caught Stealing promises to add fresh intrigue to the crime caper genre.
As the film arrives in theaters alongside a rich slate of diverse and high-profile movies, audiences have a robust lineup of options from action-packed thrillers to heartfelt dramas, showcasing filmmakers’ continued commitment to compelling storytelling through 2025.
