On January 26, 2026, Ethan Hawke publicly advised his daughter, Maya Hawke, to move forward following the conclusion of Stranger Things. The actor, 55, expressed pride in Maya’s portrayal of Robin Buckley on the hit Netflix series, which recently wrapped after its fifth and final season. Ethan emphasized the importance of not dwelling on the past, urging his daughter to look ahead in her career.
Father’s Guidance and Shared Cinematic Ventures
In a recent interview with Variety, Ethan revealed his straightforward counsel to Maya:
Time to move on. You got to do it, and move on. Don’t look back.
The pair previously collaborated on the 2023 biopic drama Wildcat, which Ethan directed and chronicled the life of author Flannery O’Connor. Despite encouraging Maya to advance beyond Stranger Things, Ethan expressed enthusiasm for acting alongside her again, stating,
Heck yeah, are you kidding me? I want to be with the star of Stranger Things!
Ethan Hawke’s Own Active Career and Passion for Filmmaking
While advising Maya to focus on her future, Ethan has remained intensely busy himself. In 2025, he appeared in several films including Blue Moon, She Dances, and Black Phone 2. He also held a significant role in the television crime comedy drama The Lowdown, and lent his voice as General Anthony Wayne in the documentary series The American Revolution. Reflecting on his continuous work rate, Ethan explained,
“Why can’t I sit still? Why do I work so much? I love it.”
He shared his deep passion for filmmaking, describing it as a collaborative effort filled with a “magic” that captivates creators and audiences alike. Ethan added,
Once you felt that feeling of making something bigger than yourself and you watch it connect with audiences, I chase it. I’m just chasing.
Early Signs of Maya’s Artistic Path and Overcoming Challenges
Ethan has long sensed Maya’s destiny as an artist. During a conversation with Sydney Sweeney for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, he recalled recognizing her creative potential when she was about four years old. Maya’s childhood was marked by challenges, though art provided her with solace through activities such as watercolor painting, dancing, and singing. Ethan acknowledged,
There were a lot of things about her childhood that were really, really hard and complicated, and things I regret for her.
Maya’s Unique Perspective on Happiness and the Arts’ Role in Healing
The actor recounted an encounter where a teacher asked Maya if she was happy, prompting a profound response from her at around age 13. Maya remarked that happiness was not necessarily her goal, saying,
“I don’t think that’s a very interesting question… Am I happy? No. But I don’t aspire to be happy.”
Ethan reflected on her answer, concluding,
So I never worried about her going into the arts, because I knew that was gonna save her life.
Looking Ahead for Maya and Ethan Hawke
With Stranger Things behind her, Maya Hawke is poised to explore new creative projects, guided by the advice and support of her father. Ethan Hawke continues to pursue his dynamic career with the same intensity he has always shown, while expressing hope for future collaborations with Maya. Their shared passion for storytelling and artistry promises ongoing contributions to film and television audiences worldwide.
