Ethan Hawke fondly recalls his experience collaborating with Taylor Swift. During his first visit to Miami on November 2, where he received the Miami Film Festival’s Variety Virtuoso Award, he reflected on his career in a discussion with Variety’s co–editor-in-chief, Ramin Setoodeh.
Hawke shared memories of working with Hollywood legends like Robert De Niro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ben Stiller, and Julia Stiles. However, he particularly brightened when talking about reuniting with his Dead Poet’s Society co-star Josh Charles for Swift’s music video Fortnight, featuring Post Malone.
The music video, written and directed by Swift, was initiated through Hawke’s daughter, Maya Hawke. He explained how Maya unexpectedly reached out to him:
“My daughter is creating opportunities in my life. I get a text from my daughter saying ‘Hey dad, Taylor Swift wants your number.’ So I guess they met. And anyway, Taylor Swift is a ‘Dead Poet’s Society’ fan, and so, hell, I’ll take what I can get.”
Hawke praised Swift’s creativity and drive:
“That woman is incredible. She’s a force of nature.”
This praise came as Swift continued to make waves with her music, including a recent fresh take on her No. 1 hit from The Life of a Showgirl.
Ethan Hawke expresses great admiration for Taylor Swift’s vision and influence after collaborating on her acclaimed music video, spurred by a connection through his daughter Maya Hawke.