Ethan Hawke, an actor celebrated for his diverse career in theater, television, and film, recently shared some light-hearted thoughts about blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars.
While these films have left an indelible mark on popular culture, Ethan Hawke revealed that they also leave him feeling a bit disappointed.
A Career Spanning Genres
Ethan Hawke’s illustrious career has seen him excel in a variety of genres, from indie dramas to Hollywood blockbusters. However, during a master class at the Venice Film Festival on Monday,
September 2, Ethan Hawke shared that, despite his love for major franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter, they don’t quite fulfill him in the way that other films do.
The Power of Richard Linklater’s Films
During the session, Hawke compared these iconic franchises to the films of his longtime collaborator, Richard Linklater. According to Ethan Hawke, while movies like Star Wars and Harry Potter are enjoyable, they often leave him longing for more.
Hawke elaborated, saying that while he enjoys these films, they don’t offer the same depth of human connection as Linklater’s projects.
I’ve met someone and connected with another human being, and that was significant and magical,'” he explained, highlighting the emotional impact of Linklater’s work.
The Missed Opportunity
Hawke also playfully touched upon the fact that he was never cast in the Harry Potter series, speculating that J.K. Rowling’s preference for an all-British cast might have kept him from donning wizard robes.
Despite this, Hawke has been vying for a role in the Star Wars universe since 2014, hoping to one day fulfill his Jedi dreams on screen.
A Prolific Partnership
Hawke went on to discuss his prolific partnership with Richard Linklater, noting that they have collaborated on nine or ten films together, depending on how you count. Their body of work includes critically acclaimed projects like Boyhood and the Before trilogy.
Their latest collaboration, Blue Moon, is a film about Lorenz Hart, the songwriter who worked with Richard Rodgers before Rodgers’ famous partnership with Oscar Hammerstein II. The movie is set in 1943, on the opening night of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s hit musical Oklahoma!.
Ethan Hawke‘s reflections remind us that while blockbuster franchises offer excitement and adventure, it’s the films that connect us to the human experience that leave a lasting impression.
