Will Smith Endured a “Fairground Ride” During intense ‘Caught Stealing’ Car Chase
New York, NY – August 25, 2025 – Will Smith revealed a thrilling detail about filming the high-octane car chase sequence in his upcoming film, Caught Stealing, describing the experience as akin to a “fairground ride.” speaking to RadioTimes.com, Smith detailed a unique filming setup involving a “biscuit” – a device attaching the actor to a rally car engine and driver, complete with a winch.
“You’re in, like, this fairground ride, you’ve got a rally car engine and a rally car driver on the front!” Smith exclaimed, highlighting the unconventional method used to capture the action. Director Darren Aronofsky encouraged Smith to fully embrace the experience, stating, “you don’t have to really worry about it… you can just sit there and scream at the top of your lungs!”
Smith also received driving lessons from Aronofsky, who wanted to ground the chase scene in realism. The actor appreciated the director’s approach, noting a departure from the over-the-top physics often seen in action films.
“There’s something about returning to real physics and real broken bones and real dented cars that is exciting,” Smith explained. “You can still find energy in it.”
Caught Stealing follows Austin Butler’s character as he navigates New York’s criminal underworld in the 1990s,initially tasked with cat-sitting for Smith’s character. The film also stars Zoë Kravitz,Regina King,and Liev Schreiber.
While maintaining Aronofsky’s signature intensity – evident in films like Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan – Caught Stealing promises a more playful tone. Though, Aronofsky insists his approach remains consistent across all his projects, emphasizing that filmmaking is, above all, “a lot of fun.”
What specific elements of the rainy day shoot contributed to a more believable and raw interaction between the actors?
Matt Smith Shares Experience of One of His Best Days on Set during Filming of Catched Stealing
The Unexpected Joy of a Rainy Day Shoot
Matt Smith, renowned for his captivating performances in Doctor Who, The Crown, and House of the Dragon, recently reminisced about a especially memorable day during the filming of the independent crime thriller, Catched Stealing. While many actors cite grand action sequences or emotionally charged scenes as highlights, Smith pinpointed a seemingly mundane, rain-soaked day as one of his best experiences on set.
the anecdote surfaced during a recent interview with radio Times, where Smith described the shoot taking place in a remote coastal location in Ireland. The scene involved a tense exchange between his character, a seasoned detective, and a key suspect. Initially, the production team was concerned about the persistent downpour, fearing it would disrupt the filming schedule and compromise the visual quality.
However, Smith embraced the inclement weather. He explained that the rain actually enhanced the scene, creating a palpable atmosphere of gloom and desperation that perfectly mirrored the emotional weight of the dialogue.
How the Weather Influenced Performance & Directing Choices
The unexpected benefit of the rain wasn’t just aesthetic. Smith noted how it subtly altered the performances of everyone involved.
Increased Intimacy: The need to huddle closer to avoid the worst of the rain fostered a sense of intimacy between the actors, translating to a more believable and raw interaction on screen.
Naturalistic Reactions: The discomfort of being cold and wet led to more authentic, unforced reactions. Smith specifically mentioned how the suspect, played by newcomer Saoirse Byrne, delivered a particularly vulnerable performance, seemingly fueled by the genuine discomfort of the situation.
director’s Adaptation: Director,Liam O’Connell,cleverly incorporated the rain into the shot composition. Close-ups focused on raindrops tracing paths down faces, emphasizing the characters’ vulnerability and the bleakness of their circumstances. He adjusted lighting to utilize the reflective surfaces created by the wet environment, adding depth and visual interest.
“It was one of those days where everything just… clicked,” Smith stated. “Sometiems, the things you fear the most – like bad weather – can actually be your greatest allies.”
Catched Stealing: A Deep Dive into the Production
Catched Stealing, a neo-noir thriller, explores themes of betrayal, corruption, and the blurred lines between justice and revenge. Filming took place over six weeks in various locations across Ireland, chosen for their atmospheric qualities and resemblance to the film’s fictional setting. The production team faced numerous challenges, including logistical difficulties in remote areas and unpredictable weather patterns.
The cast also includes established actors like Olivia colman and rising star, Callum Turner. The film’s soundtrack,composed by Jed Kurzel,is already generating buzz for it’s haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes.
Key Production Details:
Director: Liam O’Connell
Release Date: Projected for late 2025 film festivals.
Genre: Neo-noir, Crime Thriller
Filming Locations: County Donegal, Ireland; Dublin, Ireland.
Notable Cast: Matt Smith, Olivia Colman, Saoirse byrne, Callum Turner.
The Benefits of Embracing Imperfection on Set
Smith’s experience highlights a valuable lesson for filmmakers: sometimes,the most compelling results come from embracing imperfection and adapting to unforeseen circumstances.
Authenticity: Allowing for natural elements, like weather, to influence a scene can inject a level of authenticity that is difficult to replicate artificially.
Creative Problem-Solving: Challenges often force filmmakers to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
Stronger Collaboration: Overcoming obstacles together can foster a stronger sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the cast and crew.
This approach aligns with the growing trend in independent filmmaking towards a more organic and improvisational style, prioritizing genuine emotion and atmosphere over polished perfection. Catched Stealing appears to be a prime example of this philosophy in action, and Smith’s anecdote offers a captivating glimpse behind the scenes of its creation.
Matt Smith’s Filmography: A Speedy Overview
Beyond Catched Stealing, Matt Smith boasts a diverse and critically acclaimed filmography. Here’s a brief look at some of his most notable roles:
- Doctor Who (2010-2013): His breakout role as the Eleventh Doctor cemented his status as a leading actor.
- The Crown (2016-2018): Smith’s portrayal of Prince Philip earned him widespread praise and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
- House of the Dragon (2022-Present): As Daemon Targaryen, Smith continues to captivate audiences in this Game of Thrones* prequel.
- Morbius (2022): A foray into the superhero genre, showcasing his versatility.
- Last Night in Soho (2021): A psychological horror film demonstrating his range.
