Ethan Hawke on Portraying Legendary Lyricist Lorenz Hart in ‘Blue Moon’: ‘This Is a Role That Is Outside My Comfort Zone, but I Know This Guy’

Ethan Hawke Portrays Lorenz Hart in “Blue Moon”

Ethan Hawke’s role as legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart in the film Blue Moon has earned him some of the highest praise of his career. The four-time Oscar nominee is also Variety's 2025 Virtuoso honoree at the Miami Film Festival GEMS.

Career Highlights

Since his breakout in the 1989 best picture nominee Dead Poets Society, through his Oscar-nominated roles in Training Day (2001) and his screenplay for Before Sunset (2004), Hawke has been a significant figure in American cinema both as an actor and filmmaker.

Busy 2025 for Hawke

Long-awaited Collaboration on “Blue Moon”

Hawke describes the decade-long journey from script to screen as a testament to patience and timing. Reflecting on the film’s development, he states,

“Rick sent me the script 10 years ago. He said back then, ‘We’re not ready,’ meaning I’m not ready.”

This statement highlights the careful crafting behind Hawke’s deeply emotional and nuanced portrayal of Lorenz Hart.

Author’s Summary

Ethan Hawke's dedicated preparation and diverse projects showcase his enduring impact on film, culminating in a praised performance that stretches his artistic boundaries.

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Variety Variety — 2025-11-02