Some in Hollywood Once Found It 'Irritating,' But Ethan Hawke Refuses to Be Typecast
As a young actor, Ethan Hawke's desire for diverse roles sometimes caused tension. This fall, his passion for "shaking it up" has resulted in major parts in The Lowdown, Blue Moon, and Black Phone 2.
A Career Full of Surprises
Throughout his prolific career, Hawke has moved seamlessly from prestige dramas to quirky comedies to outright horror movies, embracing every role with dedication. This year presents an unusual alignment of projects showcasing his range.
Key Roles in 2025
- In Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke portrays real-life songwriter Lorenz Hart, a complex and contradictory figure.
- On the FX series The Lowdown, created by Hawke’s friend Sterlin Harjo, he plays Lee Raybon, a daring and reckless journalist.
- In Black Phone 2, he takes on the chilling role of a serial killer tormenting children from beyond the grave.
“It makes you believe in astrology or something,” Hawke said during a Zoom interview from New York City. “All these disparate parts of my life are being released at the same time. I’ve been so worried about this whole aging process. But the great thing about it is that the roles get a lot more complicated. They get fewer, but the ones you get are complicated and interesting. I feel astonished to have been doing this job for 30 years and have two of the best parts I’ve ever had this year.”
Remarkably, Hawke has been planning to play Lorenz Hart for over a decade, making this role especially meaningful.
Author's summary: Ethan Hawke’s diverse and challenging roles in 2025 highlight his refusal to be pigeonholed and his continuing evolution as a nuanced actor.