Austin Butler, the 34-year-old actor known for his roles in films such as Elvis and Dune: Part Two, has expressed his intention to take a break from public life following the promotional activities for his upcoming film, Caught Stealing. The crime thriller features a star-studded cast including Regina King, Zoe Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, and Bad Bunny.
In a candid interview with Extra, Butler shared his plans to “disappear” from the spotlight after the press tour concludes. He stated, “After this press tour, I’m going to turn my phone off and I’m going to disappear. I find that that’s very, very good for the brain. Just get away from the noise, you know? Spend some time in nature.”
Reflecting on the importance of connection, Butler emphasized his desire to be “around lovely people” and to “be of service,” highlighting a focus on mental well-being and personal growth. He has also praised his co-star Zoe Kravitz, noting her creativity and nuanced understanding of storytelling. “You learn a lot… The ideas that she comes up with are really creative and nuanced, and she understands story. It’s a great thing to get to work with somebody like that,” he remarked.
Butler has previously addressed the complexities of fame, revealing that he is still navigating the pressures that come with his rising stardom. In an interview with The Sunday Times, he expressed, “I’m trying to figure that out. One interesting thing is that internally not much changes – it’s just a collective idea of who you are that changes from others.” He acknowledged the challenge of conveying his true self in interviews, stating, “I just need to realise how privileged I am. And we all are – to have the life that we have.”
The actor also shared his admiration for “timeless” movie icons, citing figures like Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, and Serge Gainsbourg as inspirations. “When you look at a photo of McQueen from years ago, you think he could wear that today and look just as cool. Those are the people I look at. I just love this idea of timelessness,” Butler explained.
As Butler prepares for his retreat, fans and followers will be left to ponder his insights on fame, creativity, and the enduring influence of classic Hollywood stars. The actor’s decision to step back temporarily serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and personal reflection in the fast-paced world of entertainment.
