Ethan Hawke and his daughter Maya have collaborated on a new movie called “Wildcat,” where Maya plays the role of the Southern Catholic novelist and short story writer Flannery O’Connor. Despite the serious themes of the film, the Hawkes have a running joke about the movie and how they would present it to major studios. The film explores O’Connor’s life, struggles with faith, and her writing, and addresses the controversy surrounding her views on race and social commentary.
“Wildcat” was made independently and features a star-studded ensemble cast including Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Steve Zahn, and Vincent D’Onofrio. Maya, who plays O’Connor in the film, had the idea for the movie when she was deciding to pursue acting despite her love for literature. She auditioned for Juilliard with a monologue reworked from O’Connor’s “Prayer Journal” and wanted to show her passion for literature in her acting career. Both Hawkes share an interest in O’Connor’s work and saw the potential for a film that delved into her life and struggles.
Ethan Hawke, who directed and co-wrote the film, drew inspiration from biopics like “Raging Bull” and “An Angel at My Table” that focused on real people’s stories. He sees “Wildcat” as a treatise on imagination, reality, and faith, using O’Connor’s life as a starting point for deeper conversations about the human experience. The Hawkes also confronted the issue of O’Connor’s racist remarks and how to approach them in the film, ultimately deciding to not shy away from discussing her problematic views.
The film also inspired Maya’s new album, titled “Chaos Angel,” which explores themes of resistance and self-discovery. Maya, who is 25, is following in her father’s footsteps as a multi-talented artist with a passion for music and acting. Despite their close relationship and shared interests, Ethan jokes that he is slightly envious of Maya’s musical talents. He sees music as a powerful form of emotional connection and admires Maya’s ability to excel in this art form.
As they navigate the complexities of portraying a controversial figure like O’Connor, the Hawkes hope to spark important conversations about race, faith, and creativity. They believe that art should not shy away from uncomfortable truths and challenges, and see “Wildcat” as an opportunity to explore the depth and nuance of O’Connor’s life and legacy. Through their collaboration, Ethan and Maya are shining a light on the complexities of artistic expression and the power of storytelling to provoke thought and inspire change.
