Caught Stealing is an upcoming Black comedy crime film directed by Darren Aronofsky, known for his unique storytelling style. The film is based on the novel by Charlie Huston and is set to be released on August 29, 2025.
In the lead role, we have Austin Butler playing Hank Thompson, a former baseball player whose quiet life as a bartender takes a wild turn. A simple favor for a neighbor leads him into a chaotic mess involving gangsters, shady deals, and a desperate run across 1990s New York City. The film also stars Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Bad Bunny.
The film’s harsh tone and dark humor give it a new and nostalgic feel. New York City, where the story takes place, is what really brings it to life. On NetFilming, we’re going deep into the real places where this crazy city chase was filmed.
Where Was Caught Stealing Filmed?
The movie was filmed all across New York City, which is a big component of the movie’s mood. The producers picked neighborhoods that still look and feel like the 1990s because that’s when the story takes place.
East Village – Avenue A, Manhattan
One of the key filming locations is Avenue A in Manhattan’s East Village. This region is great for Hank, a bartender who is down on his luck and lives among dive pubs, punk music spots, and local corner businesses. It has an old-fashioned appeal.
The East Village has long been associated with underground culture, grunge, and real-life grit. These qualities made it a top choice for shooting the darker, more chaotic scenes in Caught Stealing. You can expect to see raw visuals of narrow streets, graffiti walls, and vintage storefronts.
Lower East Side & Chinatown, Manhattan
Filming also took place in Chinatown, located in Lower Manhattan. The movie’s fast-paced, dangerous parts worked well in this area because of its narrow streets, busy junctions and old buildings. Chinatown gives depth to the film’s culture and shows a different side of New York—one that is active, lively and ageless.
The Lower East Side also offered a classic, untouched New York vibe. Vintage cars, retro signs, and real urban grit were used to turn back time and create the 1990s setting. This part of the city has appeared in many crime dramas before, and Caught Stealing uses it effectively to enhance the tension.
Brooklyn
Several scenes were shot in Brooklyn, another area that still holds on to much of its older architectural style. Filming locations included dive bars, alleyways, and residential blocks that haven’t changed much in decades.
Brooklyn offers a more grounded, local energy that contrasts with Manhattan’s buzz. That contrast helps highlight Hank’s shift from a simple life to one that’s spiraling out of control. It’s likely that some of the chase sequences or key emotional scenes were filmed here.
Queens
The production also moved into Queens, one of the most diverse boroughs in New York City. This location was ideal for scenes that required a quieter, more residential backdrop. Some of the homes, small shops, and unpolished streets in Queens helped build scenes where Hank tries to hide or escape his problems.
Queens brings a sense of authenticity to the movie. Its neighborhoods often reflect real working-class life, which matches the film’s grounded and gritty tone.
When Did Filming Happen?
The filming of Caught Stealing commenced on September 5, 2024, in New York City. The majority of the filming occurred during autumn, so viewers can look forward to the cooler weather and the stunning golden hour light that New York offers, as well as the changing leaves, which are distinctly cinematic. Using real-time seasonal visuals also helped the film stay visually true to the timeline of the story.
Caught Stealing Behind The Scenes
In Caught Stealing, director Darren Aronofsky aimed to deliver something entirely different from his previous work. Known for intense dramas like Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream, Aronofsky wanted this film to be darker in tone but also entertaining and wild.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Aronofsky said, “I wanted to make something gritty and chaotic, but also fun—like a New York crime caper with real personality.” He worked closely with cinematographer Matthew Libatique to recreate a visually raw version of late ’90s NYC.
Lead actor Austin Butler, who plays Hank, mentioned how challenging and exciting it was to shoot in real locations. “We filmed in some very real places—bars that hadn’t changed in 30 years. You could feel the history in every shot.”
Producer Scott Franklin added, “We didn’t want anything to feel polished. It had to be real. Every bar, every alley, every apartment—we scouted them for their authenticity.”
The production crew continued their attention to detail throughout the entire era, spanning from wardrobe to set design. For example, vintage signage, old-school telephones and retro music created an immersive setting. Shooting outdoors in a concrete metropolis presents a multitude of challenges, including curious locals, noise, and unpredictable weather.
Caught Stealing Official Trailer
If you’re into crime thrillers with a unique twist, keep this one on your radar. And for more updates on upcoming movie locations and behind-the-scenes details, stay connected with NetFilming.
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