Thescreescore – The ending of Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing, a crime thriller starring Austin Butler, has been dissected by the director and star themselves, revealing surprising insights into the film’s shocking conclusion and the potential for a sequel. Butler portrays Hank Thompson, a former baseball player entangled in New York City’s criminal underworld after a seemingly simple cat-sitting gig goes horribly wrong. The film culminates with Hank, implicated in multiple murders (including those of his girlfriend, played by Zoë Kravitz, and his boss, portrayed by Griffin Dunne), escaping with millions of dollars, sporting a mohawk, and using his neighbor’s passport to flee to Tulum.
In separate interviews with Entertainment Weekly, Aronofsky described the ending as bittersweet, stating, "Both me and Austin are exhausted and at the end of Hank’s journey, but we’ll see what popular demand says." Butler, who committed to the role by actually shaving his head into a mohawk for the final scene, described the experience as "liberating," adding that he and Aronofsky symbolically ended the production by jumping into the ocean together after the final shot. He stated, "When you shave your head for the first time, the physical feeling of the hair follicle is an amazing sensation. [After the scene was done,] I shaved it all off, and Darren and I jumped in the ocean in Tulum. It was a symbolic way of ending."
The possibility of a sequel hangs in the balance. Caught Stealing is based on Charlie Huston’s novel of the same name, which has two sequels featuring Hank Thompson. However, the film’s projected box office performance, falling short of its budget, and the director’s admission of exhaustion, coupled with Butler’s busy schedule, suggest a standalone film might be more likely. Despite this, the film’s strong critical reception (84% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audience approval (86%) offer a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see more of Hank’s story.
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While the future of Caught Stealing remains uncertain, Aronofsky and Butler’s dedication to the project is undeniable. Their commitment shines through in the film’s visceral portrayal of Hank’s desperate situation, a testament to the power of their collaborative vision. Whether or not a sequel materializes, Caught Stealing stands as a gripping crime thriller, leaving audiences pondering the fate of its enigmatic protagonist.
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