How Ethan Hawke Transformed from a Gen X Slacker to a Horror Movie Icon
Ethan Hawke is making waves once again this weekend as he takes on a role that showcases his talent for dialogue-rich performances. In his latest collaboration with director Richard Linklater, the movie Blue Moon marks the ninth project between the two creative forces. Hawke plays the part of Lorenz Hart, a gifted songwriter, during the premiere of a new production of Oklahoma!. Much like their previous works, this film is heavily reliant on conversations and primarily unfolds in a singular setting, reminiscent of their earlier project, Tape.
However, that’s not all Hawke is up to this weekend. In an intriguing switch, he’s also starring in a horror film—a genre he seems to be increasingly gravitating toward. In Black Phone 2, a sequel to the 2022 hit The Black Phone, Hawke reprises his chilling role as The Grabber, a sinister serial killer who increasingly takes on a nightmarish, almost supernatural persona, drawing comparisons to the iconic Freddy Krueger. Notably, this horror sequel is likely to reach a far larger audience than Blue Moon, reflecting the differences in their respective market appeal.
Interestingly, while The Black Phone series represents Hawke’s first dedicated horror franchise, his forays into the genre aren’t entirely new. He initially ventured into horror in 2010 with the ambitious vampire film Daybreakers and made a haunting impact in Sinister, a project helmed by Scott Derrickson, who would later direct him in The Black Phone. Hawke even joined the journey of The Purge, contributing to a massive horror-action franchise that's now grown to include multiple sequels. With his own series unfolding, could we confidently designate Hawke as a "Scream King" in the horror realm? His collaboration with horror specialist Ti West, although more aligned with the Western genre in In a Valley of Violence, further underscores his expanding repertoire.
At its core, Hawke's foray into horror seems to stem from a genuine desire to explore new artistic avenues while working alongside filmmakers he admires. The Spierig Brothers, who directed Daybreakers, later worked with him on the sci-fi thriller Predestination, a hidden gem that showcases Hawke’s range. He also benefits from a creative partnership with Derrickson, appearing in multiple projects together. However, there is an underlying narrative here: Hawke’s engagement with horror may be part of a broader effort to reshape his public persona, a journey that began in the mid-1990s with films like Reality Bites and Before Sunrise. These films established him as a slacker philosopher, questioning societal norms. The characters he embodied in those seminal Gen X films—while relatable—often grapple with identity in ways that felt distinctly removed from the average person.
Blockbuster genre films often demand a departure from deep introspection, favoring action and suspense over philosophical discourse. Yet, Hawke’s role in the 1997 sci-fi film Gattaca offered him a way to challenge those expectations, depicting a man striving to surpass his biological limitations. This film cleverly contrasts Hawke’s allure by placing him alongside the even more striking Jude Law, thus deflecting some of the attention from his looks. Following that, he embraced edgier crime dramas like Training Day and the remake of Assault on Precinct 13, which contributed to a shift in his cinematic image as he continued to work with Linklater.
In today’s entertainment landscape, where there’s often immense pressure for actors to star in major franchise films, Hawke appears relatively indifferent to such trends. His only significant connection to the Marvel universe comes from his role in Moon Knight, a lesser-known entry in the MCU. Instead, he has found success—and a renewed relevance—by participating in the ever-popular horror genre. Despite his substantial fame, he has only been part of seven films that crossed the $40 million mark at the U.S. box office, with three of those titles categorized as horror. The other four titles also include a mixed bag of successes, highlighting that his central appeal may indeed lie within the horror genre.
Hawke's talent shines in both roles: as a desperate father trying to shield his family from impending doom or, conversely, as the menacing figure lurking in the shadows. While his performances in the 1990s felt tightly tied to that era, his work in horror has broadened his appeal. Consider his portrayal in Boyhood, where he evolves from a troubled young adult to a more engaged father during a boy's formative years. Early in his career with Linklater, he rarely portrayed overtly fatherly figures. In contrast, his performance in Sinister showcases the emotional turmoil of a father whose efforts to safeguard his family amplify the intensity of the film. The horror genre strips away facades, revealing the core of Hawke’s charisma, while in the Black Phone movies, he explores darker, more complex emotional landscapes, unshackled from the need to conform.
In an era where actors in superhero films can often feel overshadowed by the expansive narratives surrounding them, Hawke finds himself in a more grounded space through horror. Films in this genre enjoy widespread appeal and don't usually neglect their actors' contributions. A long lineage of performers, dating back to legends like Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, carved out successful careers in horror. While certain actors may view being typecast in horror as limiting, Hawke’s diverse collaborations with Linklater and others curtail such concerns. His commitment to horror deftly complements his artistic pursuits, evolving from a niche interest into a significant aspect of his career.
Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) is a Brooklyn-based writer and a regular contributor to platforms like The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week. Additionally, he hosts podcasts at www.sportsalcohol.com.
