Ethan Hawke recently shared his experience of how people treated him differently after he underwent a physical transformation for his role in the new film, Blue Moon. The actor revealed his insights during a live conversation as part of the 2025 Hamptons International Film Festival’s “A Conversation With…” series on Saturday, October 4. In the discussion, Hawke, who is 54 years old, discussed the process of playing Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart, which involved wearing brown contacts and shaving his head to embody the character.
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During the conversation at the East Hampton Middle School, Hawke reflected on the impact of changing his eye color from blue to brown for the role. He mentioned that the brown eyes altered his appearance significantly, stating, “It somehow changed my face dramatically in a way that I didn’t understand or anticipate.” Hawke noted that others also noticed the difference, with his castmates treating him differently due to various factors like his height, hair, body language, and voice. However, he found that the change in eye color had the most profound effect on how he was perceived.
Directed by Richard Linklater, Blue Moon features a star-studded cast including Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott alongside Hawke. The film follows the story of legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart as he navigates challenges in his personal and professional life during the opening night party for his former partner’s successful show “Oklahoma!” Hawke’s portrayal of Hart delves into themes of talent, love, and acceptance, creating a compelling character study for audiences.
In discussing his physical transformation for the role, Hawke mentioned that his wife had reservations about his changed appearance. The actor, who has been married to Ryan since 2008 and has children with her, highlighted the personal impact of altering his look for the character. Despite any concerns, Hawke’s dedication to his craft and willingness to push boundaries in his performances demonstrate his commitment to storytelling and character development.
Beyond his role in Blue Moon, Hawke is also involved in other projects such as the FX series The Lowdown and the horror sequel Black Phone 2, where he reprises his role as The Grabber. His versatility as an actor and his ability to immerse himself in diverse roles showcase his talent and dedication to his craft. Additionally, Hawke’s collaborative work with his wife through their production company, Under the Influence, reflects a shared passion for storytelling and a commitment to creating meaningful and engaging content together.
In a light-hearted moment during the Hamptons International Film Festival Q&A, Hawke humorously acknowledged his relentless work ethic, even when it comes to taking breaks. His interaction with his wife, who jokingly dismissed the idea of breaks in his schedule, highlights the dynamic between balancing work and personal life. Hawke’s ability to find joy and fulfillment in his work, alongside the support of his partner, underscores the importance of collaboration and shared interests in achieving creative success.
As Blue Moon hits select theatres on October 17 and later goes nationwide on October 24, audiences can witness Ethan Hawke’s transformative performance and his dedication to bringing characters to life on the big screen. With a career spanning diverse genres and challenging roles, Hawke continues to captivate audiences with his nuanced portrayals and commitment to storytelling. His reflections on the impact of physical transformations and the support of his loved ones offer a glimpse into the multifaceted world of an actor dedicated to his craft.