The Bikeriders: Austin Butler reveals details of scary health Episode before production began

The Bikeriders is written and helmed by Jeff Nichols, and it was adapted from Danny Lyon's namesake photobook. The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival, and it was released theatrically on June 21, 2024, by Focus Features. Here's the official synopsis as per Letterboxd:

After a chance encounter at a local bar, strong-willed Kathy is inextricably drawn to Benny, the newest member of Midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals led by the enigmatic Johnny. Much like the country around it, the club begins to evolve, transforming from a gathering place for local outsiders into a dangerous underworld of violence, forcing Benny to choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.

Austin Butler, who played Benny Cross, recently revealed that he almost went blind on a plane.

Austin Butler almost went blind during The Bikeriders shoot

Austin Butler recently spoke to Men's Health about his experience of shooting The Bikeriders. He revealed:

“It felt like the life was being sucked from my body. I suddenly felt a euphoric sensation, and I actually genuinely thought I was dying.”

The actor was referring to a migraine attack he got during a flight to Cincinnati for the shoot. Luckily, Butler regained his vision and went on the set for the shoot. He pointed to the lack of sleep. Later in the interview, Butler spoke about his acting process.

“For a long time, I felt that it had to be a tortured process and I would come out the other side broken.”

He also credited Laura Dern with,

“...helping me more and more to see that you can come out the other side, and maybe bits of you have healed, and synthesized, and metabolized. It can be therapeutic, in a way.”

The Bikeriders was produced by Sarah Green, Arnon Milchan, and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones. Its cast members include:

Jodie Comer as Kathy Cross
Austin Butler as Benny Cross
Beau Knapp as Wahoo
Tom Hardy as Johnny Davis
Boyd Holbrook as Cal
Damon Herriman as Brucie
Michael Shannon as Zipco
Mike Faist as Danny Lyon

The actor-writers' strike in 2023 ended up pushing the film's original release date. It eventually came out on June 21, 2024. Upon its release, the film met with positive reviews and ended up grossing $36 million globally at the box office.