Ethan Hawke Opens Up About His Anger Toward Tom Cruise

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Actor Ethan Hawke, known for his careful and considered performances, recently expressed his concerns about the current state of Hollywood and the dominance of big-budget blockbusters. In a conversation with Variety, Hawke explained that Tom Cruise’s commitment to doing his own stunts has inadvertently put pressure on other actors to do the same.

Ethan Hawke believes Tom Cruise has redefined expectations for actors, creating pressure that has sometimes frustrated him. He feels there’s a growing sense that actors are seen as less capable if they rely on stunt doubles. For Hawke, the emphasis on performing extreme stunts can overshadow the core of acting – focusing on storytelling and character development.

Okay, so I just saw Hawke’s latest, The Weight, and it’s totally different from the stuff he usually does. It’s directed by Padraic McKinley and it’s a real period piece – set way back in 1933 Oregon. The story centers around this guy, Samuel Murphy, a widower working in a labor camp. He gets mixed up in some seriously risky gold smuggling just to try and find a way to reconnect with his daughter. It’s a pretty intense setup, and a far cry from the action flicks he’s known for.

Hawke appreciated how realistic the film felt. He explained, “The movie avoided over-the-top, unbelievable stunts. We focused on practical effects and things the actors could actually perform, steering clear of the typical superhero-style action.”

Ethan Hawke feels frustrated with Tom Cruise, believing Cruise has redefined what people expect from actors. Hawke explains that he’s bothered by the idea that actors are seen as less skilled if they rely on stunt doubles.

— Emir Han (@RealEmirHan) January 25, 2026

Ethan Hawke is successfully juggling artistic and mainstream film projects. He received critical acclaim for his role in the 2026 jazz drama Blue Moon, about songwriter Lorenz Hart, and reprised his terrifying role as The Grabber in the sequel The Black Phone 2. He’s currently appearing alongside Russell Crowe, Julia Jones, and Austin Amelio in the film The Weight.

Ethan Hawke says he’s inspired by filmmakers like Peter Weir and is happy to work within the mainstream film industry as long as the projects he chooses have artistic value. He balances acting in small, personal dramas with larger historical films, allowing him to stay true to his vision while working in Hollywood.

Ethan Hawke has suggested actors are now pressured to do their own stunts more than is safe. Do you agree with him, or do you appreciate the realism that comes when actors like Tom Cruise actually perform their own stunts?

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2026-01-26 10:44