Ethan Hawke reveals that he still wants a role in Star Wars four years after his failed campaign. Fresh off his run on the first season of Marvel's Moon Knight, Hawke also stars in the upcoming horror flick The Black Phone, which arrives in theaters on June 23. He's also set to appear in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, the highly-anticipated sequel to Rian Johnson's 2019 murder-mystery Knives Out, which is expected to debut on Netflix later this year.
Hawke, a self-proclaimed Star Wars superfan, first attempted to join the galaxy far, far away on an episode of Conan back in 2014. During the interview, Hawke revealed to host Conan O'Brien that he was actively campaigning to join the franchise ahead of the release of JJ Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. The star continued his plea on Conan again four years later, saying he'd be more than happy to play a Jedi, a villain, or even Wookiee—just so long as it meant he could star in a Star Wars movie. Hawke then enthusiastically praised 2018's Solo: A Star Wars Story and claimed he was prepared to audition for a role. Four years later, Hawke's efforts still have yet to pay off.
While speaking with Screen Rant about his role in The Black Phone, Hawke revealed that he's still desperate to land a role in Star Wars despite his failed campaign. He joked that he makes himself feel better about not having been cast in a Star Wars role by believing that "they've got something really good in mind" for his hypothetical position in the franchise. Hawke then went on to praise the new Obi-Wan Kenobi series. His full quote can be read below:
Ethan Hawke: Isn't it amazing? I mean, I did a hard public pitch! I know, and I see all these great people in these things and I could have played that part. I could have played that part. I guess somebody up there doesn't like me.
SR: That cannot be true.
Ethan Hawke: I think they've got something-- what I make myself feel better is I think they've got something really good in mind.
SR: I think it's, “We're not going to waste him on just like some side character that comes in and out.”
Ethan Hawke: Exactly. I want something really good. But I am enjoying the new Obi-Wan series.
Although Hawke hasn't found himself in a Star Wars project yet, there are plenty of opportunities for the actor to join the expanding universe thanks to the onslaught of new Disney+ shows and upcoming movies. At Star Wars Celebration 2022, Lucasfilm announced a slate of exciting shows such as Skeleton Crew, The Acolyte, future seasons of The Mandalorian, and the mysterious Lando series, which have the potential to cast some big-time talent like Hawke. It's not hard to picture Hawke fitting into the Star Wars franchise. His versatile acting abilities make him capable of playing a force-sensitive Jedi, a bounty hunter, or even a Wookiee. Regardless of which hypothetical role Hawke could be cast in, it'd surely be interesting to see such a talented performer flex his acting chops for the next big Star Wars project.
Star Wars has yet to respond to Hawke's campaign for a role in the franchise. Perhaps, there is something in the works behind-the-scenes, and Hawke is simply keeping these details under wraps. Regardless, it'll be interesting to see if Hawke's wish to join the galaxy far, far away will soon become a reality or if the actor must keep campaigning for his dream role.
Source: Screen Rant
