Screen Rant

Multi-Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke has had a long and fascinating career. 1 / 7

In his early days as an actor, he even auditioned for Stand By Me. 2 / 7

The coming of age tale has grown into a cult favorite over the years. 3 / 7

Hawke recently explained that he lost his role in the film to River Phoenix. 4 / 7

Director Rob Reiner complimented Hawke on his acting... 5 / 7

But told him that he'd given the role to "another kid with a bird name." 6 / 7

Soon after Stand By Me, Hawke went on to star in the critically acclaimed Dead Poets Society. 7 / 7