Ethan Hawke revealed that he’s “angry” with Tom Cruise, who he believes has redefined expectations from actors when it comes to stunt work. The comments came during his attendance at the Sundance Film Festival, where he was promoting his new historical drama film, The Weight. In addition, Hawke also shared his experience performing stunts for the new movie, revealing that they were more human than ridiculous.
Ethan Hawke explains how Tom Cruise has changed what is expected of actors
In a conversation with Variety, the ‘Black Phone’ actor expressed that some part of him has grown angry about how Cruise has shifted expectations for actors regarding stunt work. He said, “Tom Cruise has totally changed what’s expected for actors. Some part of me is getting angry over the years because everyone somehow feels like they’re less if they use a stunt team.”
He further shared what he liked most about doing stunt work in his upcoming movie, The Weight. “There were no ridiculous stunts. It’s human. It’s not about things blowing up, so most of the stunts were things we could do. They weren’t superhero things,” Hawke added. Director Padraic McKinley stepped in during the conversation to clarify details about Hawke’s stunt work and express his appreciation.”Ethan is not saying that he did every single stunt, including driving those old cars with insane clutches. He did every single one, except one little wide shot after he almost tore his hamstring off the bone,” McKinley explained.
The Weight follows Samuel Murphy, a widower living with his daughter in 1930s Oregon. One day, he is sentenced to prison, but is given an opportunity by Warden Clancy to earn his freedom. He, along with several other prisoners, is asked to take part in a deadly gold-smuggling operation that could secure their release.
The cast includes Hawke, Russell Crowe, Julia Jones, Austin Amelio, Avi Nash, Lucas Lynggaad Tonnesen, Sam Hazeldine, Jeffrey Lee Hallman, and Dylan Page, among others.
Originally reported by Shazmeen Navrange for ComingSoon.
