Austin Butler Surprises Fans at Local Bar Event

Austin, August 15, 2025

News Summary

Actor Austin Butler made a surprise appearance at Dirty Bill’s bar in East Austin after an advanced screening of his new film ‘Caught Stealing.’ The evening included Butler serving drinks as a bartender and engaging with fans, alongside notable guests like director Darren Aronofsky and actor Matthew McConaughey. The film, set for release on August 28, follows the story of Hank Thompson navigating the criminal underworld in 1990s New York City. The event created a buzz and excitement among attendees, highlighting Butler’s growing career.

Austin, Texas

Actor Austin Butler surprised patrons at Dirty Bill’s bar in East Austin on Wednesday night following an advanced screening of his new film, Caught Stealing. Butler’s unexpected visit attracted considerable attention as he briefly took on the role of bartender, serving drinks and mingling with fans.

The advanced screening of Caught Stealing was the centerpiece of the evening, organized by Austin-based Fons PR. The event was part of a special promotion connected to the film, which is set to be released in theaters nationwide on August 28, 2025. Video clips capturing Butler behind the bar were shared on social media, further enhancing the excitement surrounding the event.

Prior to his bartending debut, Butler interacted with fans at the Alamo Drafthouse – South Lamar, where the screening took place. He was accompanied by notable figures including director Darren Aronofsky and acclaimed actor Matthew McConaughey. The event culminated in a Q&A session where fans engaged with Butler about his experiences related to the film.

Caught Stealing is an adaptation of a novel by Charlie Huston, who also penned the screenplay for the film. The story follows Hank Thompson, a former high school baseball player portrayed by Butler, as he navigates the criminal underworld of New York City during the 1990s. The film combines elements of drama and crime, with Aronofsky’s signature directorial style likely to draw fans and critics alike.

Austin Butler’s Career Highlights

Butler has steadily risen to prominence in Hollywood, transitioning from television series roles to major film parts. His notable performances in films such as Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, directed by Quentin Tarantino, and his award-winning portrayal in Elvis, directed by Baz Luhrmann, have garnered him significant recognition. For his role in Elvis, Butler won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award and received a nomination for an Academy Award.

Director Darren Aronofsky is renowned for creating critically acclaimed films such as Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan. Over his career, he has garnered numerous awards and nominations, solidifying his reputation as one of the industry’s top filmmakers.

Fan Engagement and Local Recommendations

During the Q&A portion following the film screening, Butler was playfully asked about any experiences related to “caught stealing,” to which a humorous reply echoed from the audience, expressing that some had indeed been “caught stealing” their hearts. Butler expressed enthusiasm about experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Austin and indulging in local barbecue delicacies.

Attendees offered Butler various recommendations for barbecue spots, with popular places like Terry Black’s, Franklin, and La Barbecue topping the list. Fans were delighted to share their favorite culinary hotspots, adding to the communal experience of the evening.

Conclusion

Austin Butler’s surprise bartending at Dirty Bill’s provided an unforgettable experience for attendees and further promoted his upcoming film, Caught Stealing. As excitement builds for the film’s release, Butler and his collaborators continue to engage with the community through local promotions and fan interactions.

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Additional Resources

• KVUE News
• Wikipedia: Austin Butler
• SA Current
• Google Search: Austin Butler
• Statesman Entertainment
• Google Scholar: Austin Butler Film
• Collider
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Butler
• MovieWeb
• Google News: Austin Butler

Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.