Inside the grandeur of Caesars Palace, the Colosseum stage was illuminated by a burst of star appeal, thanks to the exclusive debut of a riveting new trailer for "Caught Stealing" featuring Austin Butler. Unveiled during Sony's CinemaCon presentation on Monday, the sneak peek captivated audiences and marked the cinematic introduction of Darren Aronofsky's highly anticipated film, slated for an August 29 release under Sony's Columbia Pictures banner.
Aronofsky, making his CinemaCon debut, took to the stage amidst laughter, quipping, "I was pondering why no studio had ever extended an invitation before. The answer, I believe, speaks for itself." He continued, "Sony welcomed me because 'Caught Stealing' harbors something unique. I craved a project that exuded pure entertainment."
Based on Charlie Huston's novel, which Aronofsky first encountered some 15 years ago but couldn't acquire the rights to until recently, "Caught Stealing" stars Butler as Hank Thompson, a former baseball prodigy who, unbeknownst to him, becomes entangled in a relentless battle for survival amidst the gritty criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City.
With a twinkle in his eye, Aronofsky praised Butler, calling him "a gentleman, an exceptional human, and undeniably a movie star," perfect for the role of a once-promising athlete whose career is derailed by a youthful indulgence. The film, produced by Protozoa, boasts an ensemble cast that includes Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Liev Schreiber, Matt Smith, and Bad Bunny.
Setting the scene in '90s NYC, a time when humanity flourished amidst the looming specter of Y2K, Aronofsky described the movie as a "heartfelt tribute to the greatest city in the world," his hometown, where the film was also shot. The exhilarating trailer further underscored this sentiment, depicting Butler's bartender character becoming entwined with a colorful array of dangerous eccentrics, notably Smith donning a punk mohawk and leather attire. Kravitz, seemingly portraying Butler's romantic interest, shares tender moments with him, from a hallway kiss to an intimate underwear scene.
Butler's upcoming slate also includes a star-studded role in Ari Aster's "Eddington," alongside Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone. Aronofsky's last directorial effort was the acclaimed 2022 drama "The Whale," which competed in the same category as Butler's electrifying portrayal in "Elvis."
CinemaCon, the annual confluence of cinema owners and Hollywood studios, is being held in Las Vegas under the new banner of Cinema United, formerly known as the National Association of Theatre Owners. Running from March 31 to April 3, this year's edition promises to be a cinematic spectacle, with "Caught Stealing" stealing the spotlight in more ways than one.
