Ethan Hawke (Extended)

Summary

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The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Guest: Ethan Hawke (Extended)

Date: January 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features acclaimed actor, writer, and director Ethan Hawke as Stephen Colbert’s first guest of 2026 and marks Hawke's ninth appearance on the show. The two dive into reflections on the past year, personal growth, fatherhood, nostalgic moments, and Hawke’s new film "Blue Moon," his continued collaboration with Richard Linklater, and insights from his 40-year career. The conversation is a warm blend of humor, introspection, and industry anecdotes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Reflections and New Year’s Thoughts

• Stephen initiates with a question about reflection vs. looking ahead:
  • Ethan Hawke admits he aspires to look forward, but actually spends a lot of time reminiscing about the past.
    • Notable Quote (Ethan Hawke, 03:12):
      “I aspire to be a looking ahead type person. It's a lie. I daydream about the past constantly... I replay it and I think about it.”
  • Hawke mentions trying to practice mindfulness and be present, recognizing the challenges of living in the moment.
    • Quote (Hawke, 03:58):
      “I want to be there. And then that makes me think, Ethan, be in the present. Don't worry about the future. Don't worry about the past. Be right here, right now. And I keep trying to do that.”

Family and Parenting Moments

• Discussion of old family photos and nostalgia over a favorite T-shirt (light-hearted banter, 04:43–05:08).
• How Hawke rang in the new year:
  • Describes a low-key New Year’s Eve at home, watching Stranger Things starring his daughter Maya Hawke.
  • Hawke shares what it feels like to watch his daughter become a cultural phenomenon:
    • Quote (Hawke, 06:05):
      “It's hard having a famous sister... They don't know. Yeah, my sister's picture is in the lockers everywhere, you know?”
    • The dynamic in his family shifted from having a famous dad to having a famous daughter.

Career Highlights and Early Memories

• Recent achievements:
  • Won National Society of Film Critics Best Actor award for "Blue Moon"
  • Received Career Achievement Award at Palm Springs Film Festival
  • Reflected on his debut film, "Explorers" (1985), acting with River Phoenix at age 15.
• First acting experience:
  • Hawke recounts being nervous during early days on set, overwhelmed by lighting, and even having physical reactions due to nerves.
    • Quote (Hawke, 07:10):
      "I walked on the set, I was so scared... I couldn't stop crying. Like, I would do the scene and my eyes would tear..."
    • Shares a candid childhood story about stealing—and crashing—River Phoenix's father's motorcycle, resulting in a broken foot (08:43).
      • Memorable Moment: The story is delivered with humor and humility, showing Hawke's fondness for his past and for Phoenix.

"Blue Moon" and Collaboration with Richard Linklater

• About "Blue Moon":
  • Hawke’s ninth collaboration with Linklater, focused on the legendary partnership (and breakup) of songwriters Rodgers and Hart.
  • The film explores the emotional fallout for Larry Hart when Rodgers partners with Oscar Hammerstein, leading to the creation of "Oklahoma!" (10:21).
    • Quote (Hawke, 10:53):
      “The tide is washing him away. The jazz age is over. Something else is happening and he's not going to go with it. And it's a brilliant script.”
• Development process:
  • The project took 10 years to develop; Linklater’s unique and patient method contrasts Hollywood’s faster pace.
    • Hawke reflects that this allowed for script improvement, personal growth, and deep study of the role.
    • Quote (Hawke, 11:38):
      "Most directors would just go, all right, I'll cast somebody else. And Rick says, all right, let's work on it for a decade... I also became a better actor, I think, to be honest with you."
• Colbert jokes about Linklater’s famously slow projects vs. Ridley Scott’s rapid work pace, leading to comedic banter.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being present:
  • (Ethan Hawke, 03:58)
    “I want to be there. And then that makes me think, Ethan, be in the present. Don't worry about the future. Don't worry about the past.”
• On his daughter Maya’s fame vs. his own:
  • (Hawke, 06:05)
    “It's hard having a famous sister...my sister's picture is in the lockers everywhere, you know?”
• On debut nerves:
  • (Hawke, 07:10)
    “I was so scared... I couldn't stop crying.”
• On the significance of "Blue Moon":
  • (Hawke, 10:53)
    “The tide is washing him away. The jazz age is over. Something else is happening and he's not going to go with it.”
• On Richard Linklater’s process:
  • (Hawke, 11:38)
    “He loves to think about things and meditate... It allowed me years to really meditate on it and think about it. And I also became a better actor, I think, to be honest with you.”

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:48–02:37 – Stephen Colbert introduces Ethan Hawke with banter and a brief scene from "Blue Moon"
• 02:55–04:21 – Reflections on the past, the importance of being present, and practicing mindfulness
• 05:05–06:36 – Hawke recounts New Year’s Eve spent watching his daughter Maya on “Stranger Things” and discusses family fame dynamics
• 06:49–09:21 – Hawke’s major awards, reminiscence of first acting gig in “Explorers,” and a mischievous story with River Phoenix
• 09:30–12:21 – Deep dive into “Blue Moon,” its inspiration, the legacy of Rodgers and Hart, and working for a decade with Richard Linklater

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Tone and Style

True to Colbert's “Late Show” format, the episode is fast-paced, witty, and heartfelt, blending playful teasing ("What happened to that T-shirt?") with deeper reflections on personal growth, time, and the evolution of both career and self. Hawke is candid and self-deprecating, comfortable with nostalgia and honesty, while Colbert remains sharp and encouraging.

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Summary

The episode is an engaging and revealing conversation with Hawke at his most relaxed and introspective. Covering everything from family anecdotes and career achievements to the artistic process behind "Blue Moon," listeners get a sense of Hawke's humility, dedication, and passion for his craft, as well as his gratitude for the present moment. The camaraderie between Colbert and Hawke anchors the episode, making it both insightful and warmly entertaining.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

It's the Late Show Poncho with Stephen Colbert.

[Stephen Colbert]

Ladies and gentlemen, my first guest tonight is an actor, writer and director. You know, from boyhood, the Black Phone and the lowdown. He now stars in Blue Moon.

[Ethan Hawke]

So you up for that? You feeling healthy? Is that something you could take seriously? Yeah, I'm on the wagon. Take. I'm serious. I've been drinking ginger ale all night. Well, except for this second. Cause this second we have to celebrate. This is the greatest musical in the history of American theater. No, no, I'm not drinking with you, Larry.

[DSW Advertiser]

Okay, okay. All right.

[Ethan Hawke]

Ouija. Ouija. Shoot this. Huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Ethan Hawke]

Oh, no, no, no.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Larry.

[Ethan Hawke]

I got it. Rogers and Hart together again. All right, Closer. Come on, closer. I want 10 copies of that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Great.

[Stephen Colbert]

Write me a check.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Please.

[Stephen Colbert]

Welcome back to the Late Show, Ethan Hawke.

[Ethan Hawke]

Hello, this is Fun.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. This is nice. Thanks for being here.

[Ethan Hawke]

Thanks for having me.

[Stephen Colbert]

Always enjoyed talking to you. Thanks for being the first guest of 2026.

[Ethan Hawke]

It's my honor.

[Stephen Colbert]

Let's start this off right.

[Ethan Hawke]

Let's do it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Let's start this. All right. Okay. A lot of people take the time to think about resolutions or reflect on the last year that just went by. I'm just curious, are you a look forward, look ahead or reflect back kind of guy?

[Ethan Hawke]

I aspire to be a looking ahead type person. It's a lie. I daydream about the past constantly. Like with regret or, you know, not with regret. I replay it and I think about it. I spend car rides instead of doom scrolling. I think of moments from my past and try to remember what New Year's was that and how old was my kid and what happened to that T shirt, you know? And I want to go back in time. All there's a, you know, like, for.

[Stephen Colbert]

The preciousness of the moment.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Ethan Hawke]

It's like, what's. There's a line about the second hand. Every click of it just says, lost, Loss, loss. And I know this depressing thing.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's the regret thing that I was talking about.

[Ethan Hawke]

It's just regret of missing it. I want to be there. And then that makes me think, ethan, be in the present. Don't worry about the future. Don't worry about the past. Be right here, right now. And I keep trying to do that. Try to do it with every breath. I'm trying to do it right now while I talk to you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Cause look, let's face it, this is incredible. Good luck. I'll try to do the same.

[Ethan Hawke]

I have to tell you, no kidding. It's 2026 and I'm on your show and I've been on your show a lot. And I don't want to be in. I want to be in the present. Ninth time.

[Stephen Colbert]

Ninth time.

[Ethan Hawke]

Yeah, that's cool. Yeah, that's cool. I have loved every single time and I've loved watching your show and I've learned a lot from your show and I'm really. It's a great way to start my year. Oh, well, thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

It was a great way for me.

[Ethan Hawke]

To start the year.

[Stephen Colbert]

I always love talking to you. Obviously, the natural follow up question is, what happened to that T shirt?

[Ethan Hawke]

I swear, I cannot look at old, like family albums without getting obsessed with that great T shirt. Where do they go?

[Stephen Colbert]

I don't know.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

I don't know.

[Stephen Colbert]

They get a hole in them and someone who thinks better than you throws Them away.

[Ethan Hawke]

I know. And I know her name.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's exactly right. How did you start the. How'd you ring in the year?

[Ethan Hawke]

Oh, I was crazy, man. I got wild.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Ethan Hawke]

Oh, yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

You party guy. You party guard.

[Ethan Hawke]

I went nuts.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ethan Hawke]

We made dinner. We clicked on Netflix. Okay. And we watched Stranger Things.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Of course.

[Stephen Colbert]

Of course you did.

[Ethan Hawke]

Now, I.

[Stephen Colbert]

She's fantastic. Maya is fantastic.

[Ethan Hawke]

Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

She's just great.

[Ethan Hawke]

You know, a lot of people in America were watching Stranger Things, but not everybody in America was watching their daughter with their siblings right to their side. And so we were invested. Okay. And I have to say, hats off.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hats off.

[Ethan Hawke]

Yeah. I thought Maya did a great job. I thought the whole show did a great job.

[Stephen Colbert]

But what's that like for you? Because I'm curious. I mean, you're Ethan Hawke, and everybody knows Ethan Hawke, but this is a cultural phenomenon, this show. And what's that?

[Ethan Hawke]

Has it upstaged me? Is that where you're going? Well, it has.

[Stephen Colbert]

It has.

[Ethan Hawke]

I'm telling you.

[Stephen Colbert]

How so?

[Ethan Hawke]

Well, so I made this show the Lowdown. We shot it down in Tulsa. My wife was a producer on the show. We brought the whole family down there. The kids went to public school there in Tulsa, and. And the kids came to visit me on set. And the director, Sterling Harjo, says, so is it hard having a famous dad when you're at a new school and they're like, it's hard having a famous sister if that's what you. Nobody cares about my dad.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's the kids.

[Ethan Hawke]

They don't know. Yeah, my sister's picture is in the lockers everywhere. You know?

[Stephen Colbert]

Now, you should be proud of yourself, too, because on Saturday, you won the National Society of Film Critics Best Actor award for your new film, Blue Moon, which we just saw a clip from.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Also.

[Stephen Colbert]

Also over the weekend. It says here you received the Career Achievement Award at the Palm springs Film Festival. 40 years since your debut film, Explorers, came out in 1985. You were 15. There you are with River Phoenix. What do you remember about that first experience?

[Ethan Hawke]

Okay, that picture. First of all, we hated that picture when it was taken, because we looked so we thought we looked in our minds, we wanted to be James Dean, you know, or, like, I wanted to be in the Outsiders. Instead, they put me in this, like, little Gap sweatshirt or something. And so I was not feeling that picture. But that was my first day of shooting that picture. And I walked on the set, I was so scared. This is a true story. The lights, they do. The cameras are much better. Now, there used to be so much lights, and I couldn't stop crying. Like, I would do the scene and my eyes would tear, and the director come up and say, you have to stop squinting, you know? And I was. I literally. I went to the side and I. I prayed and I was scared to death. I thought, this is my dream and I can't keep my eyes open. You know, what. What is wrong with me? You know? And I was so scared because I had so confident. I was a kid, and I just thought I could do anything. And all of a sudden, tears are rolling down my face. I'm supposed to be talking about going to outer space, you know, it didn't make sense.

[Stephen Colbert]

Did you get any advice? Did you ask river or anything?

[Ethan Hawke]

No. The DP came up to me, and I stared at the light for a long time. He just made me. I just. I had to stare at it. Stare at it and stare at it. And then close your eyes and stare at it. And stare at it. Stare at it. And I came in, but I was. I cannot tell you how scared I was. And I went to bed and I worked on it, and finally I was able to do it. But that was the. You'd asked me about the first day. That's the truth. Sorry. The other.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's a fine story.

[Ethan Hawke]

It wasn't a great story.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a fine story.

[Ethan Hawke]

It's a fine story.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Nothing wrong.

[Stephen Colbert]

I got a better one.

[Ethan Hawke]

One more chance.

[Stephen Colbert]

I don't have that story.

[Ethan Hawke]

One more ch. All right, a little bit after that picture, river and I stole his father's motorcycle and I crashed it. And River. The bike was fine, but my foot was broken.

[Stephen Colbert]

And river said, like, literally, a broken bone.

[Ethan Hawke]

Like, literally a broken bone. And river said, ethan, my dad cannot know. We were riding, like. Like. And I was spending the night at his house. My mom wasn't picking me up till the next morning. He's like, you have to get through this night. And you go to the hospital at your mom's house. And I was like, okay, okay. Because we couldn't get in trouble. And I got. And I went into their kitchen and I just cried. My voice is killing me. And production shut down. I mean, it was a nightmare.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, here you are 40 years later. Blue Moon, your ninth collaboration with Richard Linklater. What's it about?

[Ethan Hawke]

Well, it was all driven to get my ninth collaboration with you. So I think it's in sync that my ninth collaboration right there. Blue Moon.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, wow. Ninth.

[Ethan Hawke]

Had we been on the show? Ninth. I mean, it's Crazy. And people think the universe doesn't make sense. I think it does. No, the film is called Blue Moon. It's about the night. Well, for people that don't know, Rogers and Hart were the Lennon McCartney of their era. They were the biggest songwriting team. Cover of Time magazine, everybody played their songs, every radio station. They worked together for 25 years. And finally, Rodgers decided to work with Oscar Hammerstein. And so the movie imagines what it was like for Larry Hart, my character, to attend the first musical his best friend did with someone else. And it's obviously the biggest sensation of a generation.

[Stephen Colbert]

What was it?

[Ethan Hawke]

A little. A little musical called Oklahoma.

[Stephen Colbert]

Sure, sure.

[Ethan Hawke]

Yeah. I'm just a girl who can't say no. You know it.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm in a terrible fix.

[Ethan Hawke]

Yeah, I knew he'd come through. And so anyway, it's about. It's kind of a howl into the night. It takes place in 1943, when America is winning the war and starting to change the way it views itself and trying to create a. It's nostalgic for a time period that never existed. That musical.

[Stephen Colbert]

That does happen in a way.

[Ethan Hawke]

That does happen. And it started happening on this night. And my character is. The tide is washing him away. The jazz age is over. Something else is happening and he's not going to go with it. And it's a brilliant script. It's one of the most amazing pieces of writing I've ever come across. Richard Linklater is obviously a world class filmmaker. And we developed it for about 10 years and now it's out and I hope you want to go see it.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's. Why does it take. I'm just curious. I want to go see it. I'm just curious. 10 years. Takes a decade to develop this. It took you 12 years to shoot Boyhood, right?

[Ethan Hawke]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's 22 years right there. Rick does move fast. Ridley Scott's doing a movie like every seven months.

[Ethan Hawke]

I know, I know.

[Stephen Colbert]

You gotta pick up the pace.

[Ethan Hawke]

No, well, here's the. Okay, that's the bad news. The good news is that it's just not the way Rick works. He loves to think about things and meditate. He makes the movie in his head over and over again. I think the truth is, when we first started working on it, he thought I was too young for the part. And most directors would just go, all right, I'll cast somebody else. And Rick says, all right, let's work on it for a decade. And the good news about that is what it allows for is the script gets better and better. And it allowed me years to really meditate on it and think about it. And I also became a better actor, I think, to be honest with you. And it was the most challenging part of my life, so I needed that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Wow.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're such a good actor that even if you weren't being honest with me.

[Ethan Hawke]

Right now, you would have bought it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah.

[Ethan Hawke]

Okay. Good, good, good, good, good.

[Stephen Colbert]

Ethan, love, thank you so much for being here. Thanks for having me. Happy New Year. Blue Moon is in theaters now. Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.

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[Stephen Colbert]

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[Ethan Hawke]

Everything you've done has come to this. The biggest and wildest mission yet is now stre you to trust me one last time. Tom Cruise Mission Impossible the final reckoning rated VG13, now streaming on Paramount Plus.