Ethan Hawke Opens Up About Casting Daughter Maya in Lead Role for ‘Wildcat’

Ethan Hawke responds to criticism about his daughter Maya Hawke starring in his new movie ‘Wildcat.’ Ethan says “I’m a nepo-father, and I’m proud to work with my daughter.“

During the premiere of ‘Wildcat’ at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival, Ethan Hawke said, “You don’t have to ask me anymore or bring it up… yes, I’m a nepo-father. And yes, I’m proud to be working with my daughter.

‘Wildcat’ follows Flannery O’Connor (played by Maya Hawke), who struggles to publish her first novel. A devout Catholic from Georgia, O’Connor was invited to the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Famous for her offbeat short fiction about the American South and her faith, she was plagued by lupus for much of her life and died at 39. Her work continues to be read, studied, and admired, and she received posthumous acclaim, including the National Book Award. O’Connor’s notable works include two books of short stories, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” and “Everything That Rises Must Converge,” as well as the novel “Wise Blood.”

Back in January 2023, Ethan said in a statement, “Maya has been working hard for years to put this project together, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to introduce a new generation of filmgoers to the genius of Flannery O’Connor.” Ethan added, “Her work explores themes important to all artists—the intersection of creativity and faith, the blurred relationship between imagination and reality.”

Directed by Ethan Hawke and written by Hawke and Shelby Gaines. The film also stars Laura Linney as Regina, Philip Ettinger as Cal Lowell, Rafael Casal as O.E. Parker, Cooper Hoffman as Manley Pointer, Steve Zahn, Vincent D’Onofrio, Alessandro Nivola, Christine Dye, Willa Fitzgerald, and Levon Hawke.

The film is produced by Ethan Hawke, Ryan Hawke, Joe Goodman, Cory Pyke, and Karri O’Reilly.

‘Wildcat’ release date in theaters is TBA. Read the review on Variety.