Ethan Hawke Reflects on Future Collaborations with Richard Linklater
Actor Ethan Hawke and director Richard Linklater have reunited for their ninth collaboration, Blue Moon. While promoting the project, Hawke also discussed his enthusiasm for continuing another of his franchises — the horror series that began with The Black Phone.
On the Success of The Black Phone 2
The Black Phone 2 opened strongly at the box office, earning $26.5 million during its first weekend. Hawke shared his excitement for the series, expressing interest in exploring his sinister character, the Grabber, even further.
“I would like to go to hell with the Grabber. That would be my dream for the third one — to make it a character piece about what shaped him, who he is now, and how he’s haunting other people’s dreams.”
On the Possibility of Another Before Film
When asked about reuniting once again with Julie Delpy and Richard Linklater for another installment in the Before series, Hawke offered a reflective answer. It has been twelve years since Before Midnight, but the actor believes the story feels complete as a trilogy.
“The answer I usually give is that the three films feel complete. The first one begins with us listening to a couple in their mid-40s fighting on a train, and by the third one, we’ve become that couple. The circle feels complete.”
Still, Hawke didn’t rule out working with Delpy and Linklater again, though he suggested a potential shift in concept or tone.
“If we were to do another, it might not be a Before film. It could be something new — maybe an After series. Part of what made those movies special was that Julie, Rick, and I were always in sync about what we wanted to say. That could happen again one day — it might start with one phone call or an email.”
Summary
Hawke cherishes his creative bond with Linklater and Delpy, viewing the Before trilogy as complete but leaving open the door for future collaboration in a new form.
Author’s Resume: Hawke remains inspired by artistic partnerships and open to revisiting familiar collaborations, balancing closure with creative curiosity.