Set photos of Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing have floated around the internet for months, showing off Matt Smith’s incredible mohawk and Austin Butler’s bruised character. But, we finally have our first official look at Butler, Smith, and the rest of the film’s incredible cast in action. The Black Swan filmmaker is back with another interesting thriller, this time exposing the eccentric nature of New York’s nightlife scene.

​Austin Butler is set to star in Caught Stealing, a gritty crime thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky, based on Charlie Huston’s 2004 novel. The film is slated for release on August 29, 2025, and is set in the late 1990s East Village of New York City.​

Butler plays Hank Thompson, a washed-up former baseball player who becomes entangled in a criminal underworld after agreeing to watch his punk neighbor’s cat. Mistaken for someone involved in a $4 million mob heist, Hank finds himself pursued by various gangs, including Russian, Jewish, and Puerto Rican criminals. The film captures the chaotic energy of pre-9/11 New York, emphasizing quirky characters and offbeat humor. ​

Cast and Characters

  • Austin Butler as Hank Thompson

  • Regina King as Elise Roman, an organized crime investigator

  • Zoë Kravitz as Yvonne, Hank’s love interest and an EMT

  • Matt Smith as Russ, Hank’s punk rock neighbor

  • Bad Bunny, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Griffin Dunne in supporting roles

  • D’Pharaoh Woon-a-Tai as Dale, Hank’s high school friend ​

Filming and Aesthetic

The film’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the vibrant and anarchic spirit of 1990s New York. Matt Smith, known for his role as Doctor Who, sports a striking new look on set, featuring a fiery mohawk, black-and-red striped jumper, and tartan trousers, embodying the punk rock scene of the era

Darren Aronofsky, known for his emotionally intense films, sought a departure with Caught Stealing. He was drawn to the script for its dark comedy and energy, aiming to create a genre film with the best actors and crew, bringing to life the kind of energy he felt in 1998. ​Caught Stealing promises to be a nostalgic and eccentric crime caper, blending elements of crime, humor, and the unpredictable backdrop of late-90s New York City.​