Hawke Defends Practical Filmmaking in 'The Weight' and Leaves Door Open for 'Black Phone' Trilogy
Ethan Hawke promotes his new film 'The Weight,' praising its use of real locations over digital effects, and discusses the potential for a third 'Black Phone' installment. He also reflects on how the collapse of the streaming boom allowed him to pivot to FX's 'The Lowdown.'
Key points
- Hawke and director Padraic McKinley filmed 'The Weight' in the Bavarian Forest to simulate 1930s Oregon, rejecting green screen technology for authentic immersion.
- The film, released September 18, features Hawke as a Depression-era prisoner and Russell Crowe as a warden, marking their first collaboration despite a near-miss on 'Master and Commander.'
- Hawke states a 'Black Phone' trilogy depends entirely on director Scott Derrickson having a compelling artistic vision, not just commercial interest.
- The actor credits the 2022 streaming market correction for freeing him from Marvel's 'Moon Knight' to join 'The Lowdown,' which premieres October 14.
- Hawke and his wife Ryan run the production company Under the Influence, which helped secure funding for 'The Weight' after years of development.
Background
Recent reviews of 'The Weight' have highlighted Hawke’s performance and the film’s practical effects, though some critics noted uneven thematic elements. The film premiered at the Deauville American Film Festival in August 2026. Meanwhile, 'The Lowdown' season two was confirmed for an October 14 release, adding new cast members to Hawke’s ensemble.
Why it matters
Hawke’s stance highlights a growing industry tension between cost-efficient digital backdrops and traditional location shooting, while his pivot from Marvel to FX illustrates how the 2022 streaming bubble burst reshaped actor availability and project development.
What to watch
Audiences will see 'The Weight' in theaters starting September 18, while 'The Lowdown' season two premieres on October 14. A 'Black Phone' trilogy remains contingent on Scott Derrickson’s creative interest.
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