Zoë Kravitz is in talks to join Austin Butler in Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming crime thriller “Caught Stealing” for Sony Pictures. The film, based on the book by Charlie Huston, will see Aronofsky directing and Huston penning the script. Protozoa Pictures, Aronofsky’s production company, will produce the film.
“Caught Stealing” centers on Hank Thompson, a former baseball player who finds himself entangled in a dangerous fight for survival within the criminal underworld of 1990s New York City. While Butler’s role as Hank Thompson has been confirmed, Kravitz’s character remains undisclosed.
Kravitz, who recently portrayed Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman, in “The Batman” opposite Robert Pattinson, is also making waves with her directorial debut, “Blink Twice.” The film, which she wrote and produced, stars Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum and is set to premiere on August 23 through Amazon MGM Studios.
Aronofsky, known for his intense and visually striking films like “Requiem for a Dream” and “Black Swan,” expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “I am excited to be teaming up with my old friends at Sony Pictures to bring Charlie’s adrenaline-soaked roller-coaster ride to life,” he said. “I can’t wait to start working with Austin and my family of NYC filmmakers.”
The announcement of Butler’s involvement in “Caught Stealing” came in March, following his notable performances in “Dune: Part Two,” “Elvis,” and “The Bikeriders.” Butler’s portrayal of Elvis Presley earned him an Oscar nomination, and his role as the villainous Feyd-Rautha in “Dune: Part Two” has further solidified his status as a rising star.
Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures, based in New York, has a history of producing critically acclaimed films. The company has worked on projects such as “π,” “The Fountain,” “The Wrestler,” “Black Swan,” “Noah,” “mother!,” and “The Whale.” They have also produced films like Tobias Lindholm’s “The Good Nurse,” Pablo Larraín’s “Jackie,” and Alex Pritz’s documentary “The Territory.”
Sony Pictures has been collaborating with several acclaimed filmmakers, including Sam Mendes, Taika Waititi, Danny Boyle, Kogonada, and Jason Reitman. Mendes is working on a series of films about The Beatles, while Waititi is directing “Klara and the Sun.” Boyle is in production on “28 Years Later,” and Kogonada is working on “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.” Reitman is in post-production on “SNL 1975.”
Kravitz is represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, and attorney Bill Sobel at Edelstein, Laird & Sobel. Her upcoming film “Blink Twice” is generating buzz, and her potential involvement in “Caught Stealing” adds another exciting project to her growing portfolio.
Aronofsky’s reputation for eliciting powerful performances from his actors is well-established. Mickey Rourke received an Oscar nomination for his role in “The Wrestler,” while Natalie Portman and Brendan Fraser won Oscars for their performances in “Black Swan” and “The Whale,” respectively. Aronofsky’s innovative approach to filmmaking is evident in his recent work, including the groundbreaking experience “Postcard From Earth” at MSG’s Sphere in Las Vegas.
Charlie Huston, the author of “Caught Stealing,” has written thirteen novels, including “Catchpenny,” “Sleepless,” “The Shotgun Rule,” and “Already Dead.” He has also developed original TV projects for HBO, FX, FOX, Sony, MAX, and Tomorrow Studios. His scripted podcast “Trashfire!” is being produced by Atomic Monster for Audible.
Protozoa Pictures, led by Aronofsky and his partner Ari Handel, has an impressive filmography that includes “π,” “Requiem for a Dream,” “The Fountain,” “The Wrestler,” “Black Swan,” “Noah,” “mother!,” and “The Whale.” Their recent TV credits include “One Strange Rock,” “Welcome to Earth,” “Limitless,” “Kindred,” and “Black Gold.” Upcoming projects include the second season of “Limitless,” “Pole to Pole,” and “Sentient” for Nat Geo.
Aronofsky is represented by CAA and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. Butler is represented by WME, Anonymous Content, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Huston is represented by Katz Golden Lerner and Writers House.
The collaboration between Kravitz, Butler, and Aronofsky in “Caught Stealing” promises to be an exciting addition to the crime thriller genre. With a talented cast and crew, the film is poised to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline and intense performances.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline
