Darren Aronofsky‘s latest film, Caught Stealing, launched just ten days ago, but it is clear it will struggle to recover its estimated $40 million budget through domestic ticket sales alone. Released near the end of the summer box office season, the movie has grossed just over $14 million in the United States, with an additional total of almost $25 million globally, far below expectations despite starring Austin Butler.
This weekend, Caught Stealing earned slightly above $3 million domestically, reflecting dwindling audience turnout. While international revenue may somewhat ease the losses, the movie still faces significant challenges in being labeled a commercial success. Despite Butler’s rising movie star status, audiences appear reluctant to spend on mid-budget studio films like this one, even with favorable critical reception. The film holds an 85% “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus highlights its nostalgic tone and Butler’s charisma:
“A freewheeling throwback, Caught Stealing splendidly showcases Austin Butler’s movie star charisma while marking a surprisingly lighthearted gearshift for director Darren Aronofsky.”
—Rotten Tomatoes consensus
Critical Praise Highlights a Surprising Direction for Aronofsky
Critics have applauded Butler’s performance as the lead, with Collider’s Ross Bonaime noting that the movie defies typical expectations of Aronofsky’s style by presenting a more comedic and thrilling blend:
“doesn’t look like what we expect from an Aronofsky film, and yet, once you dive deeper, it seems like the most obvious version of a dramedy crime-thriller that the director could make.”
—Ross Bonaime, Collider
Butler’s ascent began with his Oscar-nominated portrayal in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which earned over $280 million worldwide and solidified his stardom. Since then, he has appeared in Ari Aster’s dark comedy Eddington, the Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air, and Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated Dune: Part Two.
A Star-Studded Cast Bolsters the Film’s Appeal
Apart from Butler, Caught Stealing includes notable actors such as Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Liev Schreiber, and Matt Smith, contributing to an electric ensemble cast. Aronofsky, who recently directed the critically acclaimed The Whale—produced on a modest $3 million budget and grossing nearly $60 million worldwide—takes a distinctly different approach in this film.
The story centers around Hank Thompson, played by Butler, a former baseball player who becomes entangled in New York City’s dangerous criminal underbelly during the 1990s. Facing unexpected peril, Hank must survive in a world rife with corruption and violence, capturing the tense atmosphere Aronofsky is known for.
Challenges for Mid-Budget Films in Today’s Market
Caught Stealing’s struggle at the box office illustrates the broader challenges facing studio-driven, mid-budget films, which audiences seem increasingly unwilling to invest in without major spectacle or franchise backing. Despite critical acclaim and strong performances, many such films are finding it difficult to turn a profit in an evolving cinematic landscape where “non-negotiables” dictate where viewers spend their money.
With Austin Butler gaining momentum as a leading figure in Hollywood and Darren Aronofsky exploring new creative directions, the film’s modest commercial outcome is a sobering reminder of how unpredictable the current movie market can be. The next few weeks will determine if international markets can support its trajectory, but at this stage, Caught Stealing’s box office fate appears uncertain.
