Ethan Hawke is confidently looking forward to his next collaboration with director Richard Linklater, which promises to be a landmark project in his career. At 55 years old and a four-time Oscar nominee, Hawke has a long-standing creative partnership with Linklater, having appeared in several of his acclaimed films. Recently, Hawke shared enthusiastic insights about their upcoming film, expressing his belief that it will rank among the greatest movies ever made. His remarks came during a recent interview on the Today show, where he described the project as something they’ve been contemplating for decades and hinted at its potential to redefine their careers.
Hawke’s Bold Predictions for the New Film
He Talks About the Project’s Significance
During the interview with Craig Melvin, Hawke refused to hold back when discussing his excitement for the upcoming work. “Everything’s been preparation for what’s to come,” he explained. “The 10th is going to be the best.” Hawke’s confidence was evident as he underscored the longevity of his collaboration with Linklater. “We’ve been thinking about this movie since 1998. [Linklater’s] had this dream in his head longer than that. It’s going to be good,” he added, emphasizing how long this project has been in development.
When Melvin acknowledged the boldness of Hawke’s statement, the actor responded unhesitatingly, “I’m making it, man. I’m not even shy. I’m not even nervous about saying it.” Hawke highlighted the deep history behind the film, revealing, “We’ve been thinking about this movie since 1998. [Linklater] has had this idea for a long time, and now it’s finally coming to life.” His enthusiasm reflected both his confidence and his respect for the collaborative process that has spanned over two decades.
The Long-Standing Partnership With Richard Linklater
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Previous Collaborations and Successes
Ethan Hawke’s ties to Linklater extend well beyond the upcoming project. His filmography with the director includes some of the most acclaimed films in recent decades, such as the Before trilogy — Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight — and the critically lauded Boyhood (2014). Most recently, Hawke starred in Blue Moon, another film from Linklater that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Lorenz Hart.
Hawke has expressed great respect for the unpredictability and dialogue-rich style that characterizes Linklater’s work. “All the movies are wildly dialogue heavy, so I’m used to pulling the weight with him,” Hawke said, referring to the script-heavy nature of their projects and their mutual understanding when working together.
Anticipating the Film’s Content
While Hawke didn’t dive into many plot specifics, he confirmed that the upcoming film would be a period piece, as Craig Melvin suspected. The details are still under wraps, but Hawke indicated the film would be set in a specific historical context, requiring a high level of technical precision and acting immersion. His brief comment suggested a story rooted in the past, which will demand a nuanced approach from the cast and crew.
The Creative Process and Expectations
Inside the Making of the Film
Hawke’s comments reveal that the project occupies a special place in their creative minds, one that they have nurtured for years. The process, according to Hawke, involves intense preparation and synchronization. “We’re inside a period. We’re inside real time. The filmmaking and acting have to be completely in sync,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of precision in capturing the essence of a specific era.
Director Richard Linklater, in a previous interview, shared that working on this project involved a different level of technical challenge. “This was really demanding something different. I was a more nagging director,” Linklater admitted, referring to the meticulous planning required for this film compared to his previous works.
Working Together Deeply
Their collaboration is built on a strong understanding and shorthand, developed through numerous projects. Linklater told PEOPLE that their directorial relationship “has a shorthand,” which helps them manage complex filmmaking tasks efficiently. Hawke echoed this sentiment, noting how their dynamic allows them to handle demanding scripts and performances seamlessly.
Future Plans and Project Timeline
Though neither Hawke nor Linklater has announced an official release date for the new film, both seem optimistic about their schedules. Hawke mentioned their plan to complete the project by 2027, with Hawke publicly stating, “We’ll finish it next year so, yeah, ‘27.” Their shared timeline reveals a dedicated focus, aiming to bring this ambitious vision to life in the coming years.
Hawke’s confidence also extends to his upcoming work schedule, which includes other projects and collaborations with Linklater. The director, for his part, revealed that their working relationship is characterized by mutual respect and understanding, which facilitates tackling complex storytelling challenges.
Behind the Scenes of the Creative Partnership
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Music and Technical Challenges
In discussing Blue Moon, Linklater pointed out how the film was more technically demanding, requiring a careful balance of dialogue, pacing, and realism. He remarked, “This was really demanding something different,” highlighting how special projects necessitate a different approach than their previous collaborations.
Hawke added that their work together involves “being inside a period,” where acting and filmmaking must operate in perfect harmony. This approach aims to revive a sense of real-time storytelling, immersing the audience and actors alike in the story’s historical moment.
How Their Creative Dynamic Evolves
The duo’s ongoing partnership—marked by a shorthand way of working—has become integral to their success. Hawke, who has starred in numerous Linklater films, noted how their collaborative shorthand makes scripting and performance seamless. As they venture into more technically demanding territory with this new project, their ability to work intuitively will be crucial.
Their close working relationship, built over decades, enables them to push boundaries creatively while maintaining a shared vision. Hawke’s insight into the process indicates that this project represents an evolution for both. It will challenge their skills, but given their track record, expectations are high that the result will be extraordinary.
Throughout their careers, Hawke and Linklater have demonstrated that their collaboration is more than just a professional partnership; it’s a creative synergy that continually pushes the envelope of storytelling. As this new film approaches completion, anticipation builds among fans and industry insiders eager to see what these two visionaries will deliver next. Given their history, it’s clear that whatever emerges from this collaboration will be crafted with care, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
