Austin Butler is known for his immersive approach to acting, but his latest role required an unexpected source of inspiration: the backsides of professional baseball players. For Darren Aronofsky's upcoming crime drama Caught Stealing, the 34-year-old actor studied the glutes of MLB athletes to nail the physicality of his character, Henry "Hank" Thompson.

Scheduled to hit theaters on August 29, 2025, Caught Stealing follows Hank, a former baseball player turned bartender who gets dragged into the criminal underworld of New York City. The project marks a departure for Aronofsky, known for psychological thrillers like Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream, and Mother! —but Butler was determined to meet the director's very specific vision.

Butler's Unconventional Research

In a recent interview with Men's Health, Butler opened up about the unusual preparation process. According to the actor, Aronofsky had a clear idea of how Hank should look in baseball pants—specifically, that his rear end should be muscular and thick. To communicate that, the director sent Butler a collection of photos.

"I actually have a whole section of just baseball players' asses that he would send me," Butler said. "He was like, 'Look how thick they are!'"

This might sound lighthearted, but it was all in service of character authenticity. Butler has long been praised for his commitment to roles, whether it was losing himself in Elvis Presley's mannerisms for Baz Luhrmann's Elvis or enduring grueling conditions for Masters of the Air. For Hank, the physical transformation was as important as the emotional one.

Training with Hugh Jackman's Coach

To achieve the required physique, Butler enlisted Beth Lewis, the renowned fitness trainer who helped Hugh Jackman build the iconic Wolverine body in the X-Men series. Butler told the magazine that Lewis balanced intense workout sessions with the occasional indulgence—pizza and beer remained part of the plan.

"I've got the butt needed to play Hank now," Butler joked, though he admitted that the transformation came with a cost: "I've had to part ways with a costly section of Celine pants that I just can't even wear anymore."

Lewis's approach was clearly effective. In the Men's Health cover shoot, Butler appears shirtless, showcasing broad shoulders, chiseled arms, and the results of all that glute-focused training. The images quickly went viral, inspiring passionate reactions from fans.

Fans React to the Shoot

Social media users had a field day with the actor's chiseled appearance. "Oh my," one user wrote alongside a GIF of someone losing her breath. Another declared, "I am AWAKE," prompting the reply, "We are RISEN." A third quipped about the timing of the release: "This is a splendid way to start my morning."

Others appreciated the shift in dynamics. "Honestly, I love how the tables turn," wrote one commenter. "Thank you, men, for objectifying yourselves for us. It's a fun time [when] we do no work, bless."

The photo spread wasn't just about vanity; it underscored Butler's dedication to his craft. The actor is part of a generation of performers who treat their bodies as instruments of storytelling, much like Christian Bale or Tom Hardy. Aronofsky's films often demand such extremes, and Butler proved more than willing to adapt.

A Long Road to the Big Screen

Caught Stealing is based on a novel by Charlie Huston, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Aronofsky. The book was part of a series featuring Hank Thompson, suggesting that the film could be the start of a potential franchise if it performs well. Aronofsky has been attached to the project since 2023, with Butler cast shortly after. Filming took place in New York City, adding to the gritty atmosphere of the story.

For Butler, this is another major leap in a career that has been on a steady upward trajectory. After years of television roles in shows like The Carrie Diaries and Arrow, Butler broke out in a big way with Elvis, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He followed that with a starring role in Apple TV+'s Masters of the Air, a World War II drama produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. He also appeared in Dune: Part Two as the villainous Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, proving his range across genres.

Now, with Caught Stealing, Butler is entering even grittier territory. The film's focus on crime and survival echoes 1970s New Hollywood cinema, and the actor seems ready to embrace the darkness.

Could Butler Join the 'Pirates' Franchise?

As if his schedule weren't busy enough, there has been widespread speculation that Butler might be the next actor to play Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Rumors swirled in 2024 that Disney was considering him for the iconic role, especially after Johnny Depp's legal troubles complicated his future with the studio.

Butler has the acting chops, the action experience, and the accent work to make the character his own. However, a source previously said that Butler would not commit without seeing a script first. "There's still no script, and Austin doesn't sign up for a movie without seeing what the story is going to be," the source explained. "But unlike Margot [Robbie] and Johnny, you can easily imagine making three movies with Austin because he's young, fit, and isn't heavily tied to another franchise at a rival studio the way Margot is."

Depp originally portrayed the swashbuckling captain in five films, starting with The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003. Butler's potential casting would mark a massive departure, but some industry insiders believe he could bring fresh energy to the series. "The appeal of somebody like Austin is that he can completely transform into a character," a source told media outlets in 2024. "The potential is there to create something as unforgettable as Johnny's work on the first film 21 years ago."

Whether or not the Pirates deal comes to fruition, Butler is clearly at a point in his career where he can pick and choose his projects. His willingness to study baseball players' posteriors for Caught Stealing is just the latest example of his unconventional methods.

What's Next for Austin Butler?

In addition to Caught Stealing, Butler has several projects in various stages of development. He has been linked to a remake of The Last Train from Madrid, as well as a biographical film about American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. His range—from Elvis Presley to a sociopathic villain in Dune—makes him one of Hollywood's most versatile young actors.

It's also worth noting that Butler's personal style has been a topic of fascination. He has become known for his distinctive Southern accent, which he has been asked about repeatedly since his Elvis days. In interviews, he has often said that he is still working to shed the accent after spending so many years immersed in Presley's world. His current voice in the Men's Health conversation sounded far closer to his natural tone, suggesting that he is moving on from that chapter.

For now, fans will have to wait until August 29, 2025, to see the full results of Butler's glute-focused preparation on the big screen. Caught Stealing is expected to be one of the most talked-about releases of the summer, thanks to Aronofsky's pedigree and Butler's growing star power.

The actor's dedication to the role—down to the exact thickness of his rear end—is a testament to his belief that no detail is too small when creating a character. As he put it, "I actually have a whole section of just baseball players' asses." It's an unusual method, but if his past performances are any indication, it's one that will likely pay off on screen.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News