Austin Butler's Near-Death Experience: Temporary Blindness on Flight Revealed!
Austin Butler's Wild Ride: From Oscar Nominee to Rugged Heartthrob
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride with Austin Butler, the 34-year-old Oscar nominee who has been making waves in Hollywood with his incredible physique and daring roles. In an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com, Austin dished out the juicy secrets behind his transformation into an alcoholic ex-baseball player in his upcoming movie Caught Stealing.
The Scary Moment That Made Him Think He Was Dying
Austin's recent flight to Chicago to film 2023 movie The Bikeriders turned out to be a harrowing experience. While on the plane, he was jolted awake by a rough migraine just as the aircraft was about to land. "It felt like the life was being sucked from my body," Austin revealed, adding that he suddenly felt a euphoric sensation and genuinely thought he was dying.
The temporary blindness that followed lasted for several minutes, but Austin refused to give up. He willed his sight to come back, and after a tough struggle, he figured it was just a side effect of sleep deprivation. A retinal migraine, a rare type of migraine that can cause visual symptoms in one eye, may have been the culprit.
Getting into Character: The Saucy Secrets Behind Caught Stealing
Austin's transformation into Hank Thompson, an athlete-turned-bartender who becomes embroiled in crime in 1990s New York, was no easy feat. He embarked on a diet and workout regimen that propelled him from 150lbs to 185lbs, attaining the physique of a sportsman.
To get into character, Austin worked closely with director Darren Aronofsky, who encouraged him to add bulk to his physique. "He would send me pictures of baseball players' butts," Austin revealed, giggling at the thought. "He was like: 'Look how thick they are!'"
Austin's meal plans were designed to help him develop a figure that fit Hank's dissolute lifestyle – generous helpings of pizza washed down with beer. Although he indulged in alcohol for the role, he confessed that drinking has never been his thing. "I don't like the way it makes me feel," he said.
The Trainer Behind Austin's Transformation
To achieve his desired physique, Austin worked with trainer Beth Lewis, who also prepped Hugh Jackman for Deadpool & Wolverine and other films like London Has Fallen. The exercise routines she put together for Austin included "a ton of hip thrusters" to build up his derrière to the extent required.
However, Austin's new curves came with a downside – he confessed that he can no longer fit into his Celine pants. "I've got a whole section of them that I just can't even wear anymore," he laughed.
The Variety of Diets for Different Roles
Austin has put himself through various diets for different roles, including the doughnuts and molten ice cream he consumed for his Oscar-nominated turn as Elvis in 2022. For Enemies, an upcoming A24 thriller opposite The Bear star Jeremy Allen White as a detective, Austin relied on protein – chicken kebab, omelets, and steak – and exercised seven days a week.
The musclebound physique he had in Dune: Part Two was thanks to the help of Navy Seal-turned-trainer Duffy Gaver, who has worked with top-flight names like Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Channing Tatum, and Brad Pitt. "He just ramps up the weight, so you're just getting heavier and heavier," Austin said, recalling his training sessions.
A Cheat Meal Fit for a King (or an Ex-Baseball Player)
Despite his dedication to his roles, Austin is not above indulging in a cheat meal – which for him means: "French toast, pancakes, pizza, and pasta, all at the same time." With a formidable cast including Zoe Kravitz, Regina King, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith, and Liev Schreiber, Caught Stealing is set to hit theaters next Friday, August 29.
TheScholarlyNote.com has exclusive access to Austin's thoughts on his upcoming film, his transformation into Hank Thompson, and the secrets behind his incredible physique. Get ready for a wild ride with this talented actor who is taking Hollywood by storm!