Key Takeaways:
- Real Transformations: Austin Butler and Matt Smith authentically shaved their heads into mohawks for their roles in the upcoming crime thriller ‘Caught Stealing,’ forgoing wigs or prosthetics.
- Punk Aesthetic: The bold look was essential for the film’s gritty, punk-inspired aesthetic, as envisioned by director Darren Aronofsky.
- A Liberating Experience: While Matt Smith loved the new look and kept it post-filming, Austin Butler described shaving his head as a “liberating process” that helped him connect with his character.
- Intense Styling: Creating the perfect mohawk was a challenge, with the hairstyling team drawing inspiration from 80s punk culture and using a significant amount of adhesive to get the look just right.
The buzz around Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming crime thriller, ‘Caught Stealing,’ isn’t just about its compelling story—it’s also about the shocking transformations of its lead stars. Fans have been wondering if Austin Butler and Matt Smith truly committed to the punk-rock mohawks seen in production photos. The answer is a resounding yes.
A Commitment to Authenticity
In ‘Caught Stealing,’ Butler plays Hank Thompson, a former baseball prodigy whose life spirals into the criminal underworld after he agrees to cat-sit for his neighbor, Russ (Matt Smith). The film, set at the turn of the century, embraces a raw, punk aesthetic, and the characters’ matching mohawks are a key visual element.
Rather than relying on wigs or modern styling tricks, both actors chose to shave their heads to fully embody their roles, a decision that speaks to their dedication to the craft.
Matt Smith’s Punk Rock Makeover
Matt Smith was first seen sporting his colorful new haircut in September 2024, immediately capturing the attention of fans. The ‘House of the Dragon’ star fully embraced the change, even keeping the style after filming concluded.
In an interview, Smith revealed he was fascinated by how the dramatic look changed his public perception. The styling process itself was an art form. Hairstylist John Carter reportedly experimented for three days to get Smith’s thick hair to stand up in a classic mohawk, using techniques inspired by 80s punks who used glue to style their hair.
Austin Butler’s “Liberating” Shave
For Austin Butler, the decision to shave his head was a more profound journey. Having previously worn a bald cap for his role as Feyd-Rautha in ‘Dune: Part Two,’ this was a step further. Butler admitted to having initial reservations but ultimately called the process “liberating.”
“At first, I felt reticence toward shaving my head into a mohawk because I had no idea what it would look like,” he told Entertainment Weekly. However, the experience allowed him to fully immerse himself in the character. As a final, symbolic act after production wrapped, Butler shaved his head completely bald. “I shaved it all off, and Darren and I jumped in the ocean,” he shared. “It was a symbolic way of ending.”
Both actors’ commitment to their physical transformations promises to bring a compelling layer of authenticity to the gritty world of ‘Caught Stealing.’
Image Referance: https://thecinemaholic.com/caught-stealing-matt-smith-austin-butler-shave/