Austin Butler's Secret to Building 'Thick': A Carb-On-Carb Diet
EXCLUSIVE: Austin Butler Dishes on His Jaw-Dropping Transformation for Caught Stealing
In a candid interview with TheScholarlyNote.com, Austin Butler spills the tea on his shocking transformation into Hank Thompson, an alcoholic ex-baseball player in Darren Aronofsky's upcoming film, Caught Stealing. The 34-year-old heartthrob reveals the secrets behind his dramatic weight gain and the intense physical demands of playing a character consumed by crime in 1990s New York.
To get into shape for the role, Butler embarked on an extraordinary diet and workout regimen that saw him balloon from 150 pounds to a chiseled 185 pounds. "I had to eat like a king," he confesses, "generous helpings of pizza washed down with beer." However, the actor admits that indulging in alcohol was not his usual cup of tea: "Drinking has never been my thing. I don't like the way it makes me feel."
Butler's trainer for Caught Stealing was none other than Beth Lewis, who also worked her magic on Hugh Jackman for Deadpool & Wolverine and London Has Fallen. Together, they concocted an exercise routine that included "a ton of hip thrusters" to build up Butler's derriere to the required dimensions. The result? A booty so impressive that Butler jokes: "I've got a whole section of Celine pants that I just can't even wear anymore."
The actor's transformation was not limited to his physical appearance alone. He also had to undergo an intense mental preparation to tap into the darker side of Hank Thompson's character. "Darren wanted me to get into the mindset of someone who's lost their way," Butler reveals. "He'd send me these images of baseball players' behinds, saying: 'Look how thick they are!' It was a bit weird, but it worked."
Butler is no stranger to extreme transformations for his roles. For his Oscar-nominated performance as the King of Rock 'n' Roll in Elvis, he gorged on doughnuts and molten ice cream to put on weight. And for Enemies, an A24 thriller opposite Jeremy Allen White, he chiseled a sculpted physique by relying on protein-rich meals and exercising seven days a week.
When asked about his approach to gaining muscle mass for Dune: Part Two, Butler credits Navy Seal-turned-trainer Duffy Gaver with helping him achieve his goals. "He just ramps up the weight, so you're getting heavier and heavier," Butler says, chuckling. "I remember him telling me: 'Chicken, broccoli, brown rice, and lift, motherf*ers.'"
The actor's love for indulging in cheat meals is also well-documented. "French toast, pancakes, pizza, and pasta, all at the same time – that's my idea of a cheat meal," he confesses.
Caught Stealing boasts an impressive cast, including Zoe Kravitz, Regina King, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith, and Liev Schreiber. With its star-studded lineup and Butler's explosive performance as Hank Thompson, this movie is sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
Caught Stealing: A Thrilling Descent into Crime
Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), Caught Stealing delves into the dark underbelly of 1990s New York, where Hank Thompson, a former baseball player turned bartender, becomes embroiled in crime. With its gripping narrative and a cast of complex characters, this film promises to be an unforgettable ride.
Butler's candid interview with TheScholarlyNote.com offers a glimpse into the grueling process of transforming into his character for Caught Stealing. From intense weight gain to rigorous exercise routines, Butler has spared no effort in bringing Hank Thompson to life on screen.
Caught Stealing Hits Theaters Next Friday
Get ready to catch your breath as Caught Stealing hits theaters next Friday, August 29. With its captivating cast and Austin Butler's mesmerizing performance, this film is a must-watch for fans of drama and crime thrillers alike.
