Ethan Hawke has described his upcoming collaboration with director Richard Linklater as potentially their best work together. The announcement comes during the promotion of their latest film, Blue Moon, which premiered on January 7, 2024. Hawke believes their tenth joint effort will surpass their previous nine collaborations, which include acclaimed titles such as the Before trilogy and Boyhood.
During his appearance on the Today Show, Hawke shared his enthusiasm for the project. When host Craig Melvin inquired about their next film, the actor confidently stated, “Everything’s been preparation for what’s to come. The 10th is going to be the best.” This remark led Melvin to acknowledge the boldness of Hawke’s statement. In response, Hawke expressed his certainty, adding, “We’ve been thinking about this movie since 1998. He’s [Linklater] been thinking about it longer than that.”
Hawke further elaborated that the upcoming film is a period piece, aimed at exploring significant themes in American history. He suggested that it could rank “among the greatest films ever made.” The actor teased that he would return to the show in approximately 18 months to provide further details, indicating a projected release in 2027.
Linklater had previously hinted at the same project in a November 2023 interview with Filmmaker magazine. He expressed his ambition to create a larger historical narrative centered around 19th-century American transcendentalists, mentioning figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Henry David Thoreau. Linklater noted that this era was marked by significant social movements, including early feminism, environmentalism, and abolitionism. He described the political climate of the time, stating, “They’ve got a s—– president, Andrew Jackson.”
In his conversation with Melvin, Hawke also mentioned the possibility of casting renowned actors Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac in the film. As of now, it remains unclear whether either actor has officially joined the project.
The collaboration between Hawke and Linklater has been celebrated for its depth and creativity over the years, with films like Before Sunrise and Boyhood earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Their partnership has consistently captivated audiences, and the anticipation surrounding their tenth film continues to grow as both actors and fans look forward to this new chapter in their storied collaboration.
