Ethan and Maya Hawke: A Father-Daughter Duo on Film and Art
Heather Hazzan for Variety
It’s a rainy day in New York City, and Maya Hawke is sharing a story about her attempt to call her father ‘Ethan’ on the set of their new film, “Wildcat.” We’re sitting in a cozy restaurant in Chelsea, escaping the downpour, and the father-daughter duo exudes a sense of art-house cinema royalty.
Maya, the 25-year-old actress from “Stranger Things,” initially tried using her father’s first name, Ethan, to appear more professional, but soon realized it was distracting. Instead, she found comfort in calling him ‘Dad.’
Maya and Ethan Hawke are like a Gen Z “It” girl and a Gen X icon having a casual conversation. Despite their celebrity status, they come across as down-to-earth, with Maya dressed in a T-shirt designed by her younger sister and Ethan sporting jeans and a thrift-store trucker hat.
Maya is the embodiment of her parents, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, with a unique blend of their looks, humor, and artistic sensibilities. Their family has even been jokingly referred to as the “boring, indie Kardashians.”
The dynamic between Maya and Ethan is playful and collaborative, with the two finishing each other’s sentences and stories. Ethan proudly validates Maya’s answers with a heartfelt “Well said” throughout their conversation.
Their latest collaboration, “Wildcat,” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, offering a kaleidoscopic look at the life and work of Southern Gothic writer Flannery O’Connor. Maya, who has been fascinated by O’Connor since her high school days, pitched the passion project to her father’s production company.
Ethan, influenced by his recent work as a producer and director, saw the movie as an opportunity to explore the relationship between human creativity and faith. While some may view their collaboration as an example of nepotism in the industry, Maya emphasizes that “Wildcat” was entirely her idea. Ethan jokes about being a “nepo dad” without embarrassment while acknowledging the inherent criticism that comes with it.
The two navigate the complexities of working together as family in an industry where nepotism is often criticized. They emphasize the need for nuanced understanding, recognizing that Maya’s talent and creative ideas are what led to the film’s production.
Maya’s interest in O’Connor stems from the writer’s ability to confront flaws and limitations with honesty and passion. The film delves into O’Connor’s complex personality and characters, exploring imperfections and societal issues. Both Maya and Ethan aim to shed light on imperfect women and their significance in American history.
Their father-daughter bond expands beyond personal and professional collaborations. Maya’s early exposure to passionate acting experiences sparked her desire to pursue a career in the industry. Ethan has always supported his children’s aspirations, offering guidance on navigating fame and emphasizing the importance of personal growth.
Maya’s career has been steadily growing, with notable roles in “Stranger Things,” Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” and Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City.” She is also a musician with two albums to her name. While Maya is still figuring out the kind of stardom she wants, she remains focused on creating art and cherishing the opportunity to continue making music and films.
Set photographs and interviews from the set of “Wildcat” show Maya’s dedication to the role and the collaborative nature between Maya, Ethan, and the cast. They don’t shy away from intimate scenes or awkwardness, ensuring the comfort and safety of everyone involved.
Ethan and Maya Hawke’s artistic partnership goes beyond the traditional father-daughter relationship, allowing them to explore complex narratives and challenge societal norms. Their collaboration proves that talent, passion, and creativity can thrive when shared among family members in the film industry.
As the Hawkes continue to navigate their careers together, they aim to demonstrate the importance of nuanced storytelling and the potential for growth in imperfect characters.