Austin Butler is bringing the heat to the September/October issue of Men’s Health. The 34-year-old actor, best known for Elvis and Dune: Part Two, is showing off a physique so chiseled it could stop traffic.
The reveal comes as Butler gears up for his latest role in Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming crime thriller Caught Stealing, hitting theaters Aug. 29.
From Lean to Bulked Up
Butler underwent a striking physical transformation to play Hank Thompson, a washed-up baseball player whose life spirals into chaos. The role demanded more than just acting chops, it required serious muscle.
Standing at 6 feet, Butler reportedly packed on nearly 15 kilograms, trading in his naturally lean frame for a sturdier, more athletic build. “I actually have a whole section of just baseball players’ asses that [Aronofsky] would send me,” Butler told Men’s Health. “He was like, ‘Look how thick they are!’”
The training paid off. Butler admits he no longer fits into his designer wardrobe: “I’ve got a whole section of Celine pants that I just can’t even wear anymore.”
Sweat, Hip Thrusts, and Heavy Lifting
To achieve his new look, Butler worked with trainer Beth Lewis, who also trained Hugh Jackman for Wolverine. His workouts included balancing on BOSU balls, one-arm kettlebell moves, and countless hip thrusts to build power and, yes, the booty Aronofsky demanded.
Butler explained that his thinner frame ahead of filming was due to awards season, when meals sometimes took a backseat to red carpets and interviews. This time, he flipped the script with calorie-dense meals and relentless gym sessions.
Cheat Meals and Clean Living
While Butler admits to indulging in pizza, pasta, French toast, and pancakes “all at the same time” during bulking season, alcohol never made the cut. “Drinking has never been my thing. I don’t like the way it makes me feel,” he said.
That discipline isn’t new for the actor. For Elvis, Butler famously fueled himself with ice cream and doughnuts to capture Presley’s later years. For Dune: Part Two, he trained military-style with an ex–Navy SEAL and lived on a diet of rice, chicken, and broccoli.
Hollywood’s New Heavy Hitter
Butler’s upcoming film boasts a star-studded cast including Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith and Liev Schreiber. But before audiences see him hit the big screen, his cover shoot is already cementing him as Hollywood’s newest fitness icon.
For now, Butler’s dedication, and his transformation, have everyone talking. Whether he’s lifting kettlebells or devouring stacks of pancakes, he’s proving there’s no role, or workout, he can’t take on.
