Culture

Ethan Hawke and Andrew Scott showcase chemistry at London premiere of Blue Moon

Friday, 17 October 2025 4:05AM UTC

Ethan Hawke and Andrew Scott appeared together at the BFI London Film Festival to promote their new film, Blue Moon, a poignant portrayal of Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart's twilight years, with Hawke's transformative performance earning widespread acclaim.

Ethan Hawke and Andrew Scott recently graced the red carpet together at the premiere of their highly anticipated film, Blue Moon, during the BFI London Film Festival. Displaying a camaraderie that delighted onlookers, the two actors shared a playful embrace before entering the screening venue. Hawke, 54, cut a stylish figure in a dark navy suit paired with a crisp white shirt featuring subtle black stitching, while Scott, 48, chose a timeless black suit and layered look, highlighting their contrasting yet complementary styles. The event also attracted other notable attendees, including Victoria Brown, Giles Surridge, and Stevie Ruffs.

Blue Moon delves into the life of Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart, portrayed by Hawke, as he confronts alcoholism and declining mental health amidst the backdrop of the opening of Oklahoma!. The film, directed by Richard Linklater and scripted by Robert Kaplow, explores Hart’s complex character during a poignant 1943 night at Sardi’s restaurant, where the fading star grapples with professional and personal losses. Hawke’s transformation for the role involved shaving his head and adopting a greasy comb-over to capture Hart's distinctive appearance, a change he described as "demolishing to my vanity." This physical alteration not only changed how others treated him but also deepened his understanding of Hart’s experience as a man who stood just five feet tall and was often underestimated.

Andrew Scott plays Richard Rodgers, Hart’s longtime composing partner, who had recently begun collaborating with Oscar Hammerstein II. The film examines the emotional unraveling of Hart as he sees his creative partnership dissolve and his own relevance wane in a rapidly shifting Broadway landscape. Margaret Qualley stars as Elizabeth Weiland, a Yale student and Hart’s protégée, adding layers of mentorship and unrequited fascination to the narrative. Sony Pictures Classics and Renovo Media Group are set to release Blue Moon on October 24, 2025, following its premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim and garnered a Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance awarded to Scott.

Critics have praised Blue Moon for its heartfelt portrayal and sharp dialogue. According to industry reviews, the film stands as one of Linklater’s most focused and affecting works, offering a character study that is both poignant and humorous. Hawke’s performance as Hart is widely regarded as career-best, vividly capturing the lyricist’s brilliance, vulnerabilities, and enduring charm. Linklater’s direction reflects a long-standing affection for artists and orators, creating a monologue-driven tribute to forgotten creative figures grappling with obsolescence and lost dreams.

Beyond the artistic achievements of Blue Moon, Ethan Hawke has publicly expressed his concerns about the casting practices in the film industry today. Speaking at the Berlin International Film Festival, he criticised the trend of casting based on social media followings rather than talent and experience. "Sometimes I'll be setting a movie up and someone will say, 'Oh, you should cast Suzie.' I'm like, 'Who is she?' 'She has ten million followers,'" Hawke remarked to Variety, adding, "So if I don't have this public-facing platform, I don't have a career? And if I get more followers I might get that part? What?" His candid reflections underscore ongoing debates about the evolving criteria for securing roles in cinema.

Blue Moon is also notable for the creative team behind it. The film is a Detour/Renovo production in association with Wild Atlantic Pictures, Under The Influence, and Cinetic Media. The production boasts an impressive roster, including director of photography Shane F. Kelly, production designer Susie Cullen, and costume designer Consolata Boyle, renowned for her multiple Oscar nominations. Editor Sandra Adair, a three-time Academy Award nominee, also lends her expertise. The collaboration between Linklater and Hawke marks their ninth project together, highlighting a creative partnership that has evolved over decades.

Sony Pictures Classics has maintained a longstanding relationship with Linklater and Hawke, supporting a number of their acclaimed films including Boyhood and Before Midnight. The studio’s involvement in Blue Moon signals confidence in the film’s artistic and commercial potential, with an initial release in Los Angeles and New York on October 17, 2025, followed by a nationwide rollout a week later.

Overall, Blue Moon is positioned as a deeply human and melancholic portrait of an artist’s twilight, offering audiences a tender yet unflinching look at Lorenz Hart’s legacy. It contrasts with Linklater's other work released the same year, which explores the beginnings of artistic journeys, making Blue Moon a contemplative farewell to a creative life marked by brilliance and struggle.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15200507/Ethan-Hawke-embraces-Andrew-Scott-premiere-new-movie-Blue-Moon-BFI-London-Film-Festival.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.apnews.com/article/5f0c81702d93677cbcacc3032f44f3b1 - Richard Linklater's 'Blue Moon' is a poignant, funny valentine, and Ethan Hawke has never been better. The film is a funny, heartfelt character study showcasing a career-best performance by Ethan Hawke as lyricist Lorenz Hart. Set in 1943 at Sardi’s on the night of 'Oklahoma!'s' premiere, the film captures Hart’s poignant final chapter as he reflects on his career, lost partnership with composer Richard Rodgers (now allied with Oscar Hammerstein), and his dwindling relevance in a rapidly evolving Broadway landscape. With biting wit and melancholy charm, Hart holds court among a small circle of friends, battling alcoholism and unrequited hopes—particularly a fascination with a young Yale student, Elizabeth Weiland. Linklater, known for his affection for artists and orators, crafts a loving, monologue-driven tribute to Hart and other forgotten writers. Hawke’s transformative performance illuminates Hart’s brilliance and personal struggles, embodying a man who, despite his circumstances, retains a magnetic presence. Written by Robert Kaplow and inspired by real-life letters, the film serves as both a celebration and a eulogy, applauding Hart’s literary legacy even as his world fades. With strong supporting performances and sharp, affectionate dialogue, 'Blue Moon' stands as one of Linklater’s most focused and affecting works. Rated R, the film runs 100 minutes and earns 3.5 out of 4 stars.
https://www.apnews.com/article/9704fa8ed98e57cc9de110a0df17371d - In 'Blue Moon,' Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke's portrait of an artist. Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke's latest collaboration, 'Blue Moon', is a portrait of lyricist Lorenz Hart, set during one night at Sardi’s restaurant in 1943 on the opening of 'Oklahoma!'. Based on a screenplay by Robert Kaplow, the film explores the emotional unraveling of Hart as he grapples with the end of his professional and artistic partnership with Richard Rodgers, who moved on with Oscar Hammerstein II. The drama captures Hart’s brilliance, insecurities, humor, and personal struggles—painting a deeply human and melancholic portrait of an artist being left behind by the times. Despite their decades-long friendship and history of collaboration, Linklater took a tough-love approach with Hawke, pushing him to fully inhabit the deconstructed, unglamorous character of Hart. Hawke, who also physically transformed for the role, called it one of the most emotionally demanding performances of his career. He reflected on the sacrifices of life in the arts and the constant fear of obsolescence, drawing parallels between Hart’s struggles and those of his own mentors. 'Blue Moon' stands in contrast with Linklater's other current release, 'Novelle Vague', which explores the beginnings of an artistic journey, while 'Blue Moon' poignantly addresses its twilight.
https://www.sonypictures.com/corp/press_releases/2025/0515 - Sony Pictures Classics to release Richard Linklater’s ‘Blue Moon’ starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale and Andrew Scott on October 17, 2025. The film, which received critical praise following its world debut at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, will expand nationwide on October 24, 2025. NEW YORK (May 12, 2025) – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that BLUE MOON, directed by Academy Award® nominee Richard Linklater (HIT MAN, BOYHOOD, BEFORE SUNSET) and written by Robert Kaplow (author of the novel Me and Orson Welles), will be released on October 17, 2025 in Los Angeles and New York, before expanding nationwide on October 24, 2025. The film, which stars Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke in his 9th collaboration with Linklater, alongside Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale and Andrew Scott, had its world premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it received rave reviews, as well as the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance for Andrew Scott.
https://www.sonypictures.com/corp/press_releases/2024/0618 - Sony Pictures Acquires Worldwide Rights to Richard Linklater's 'BLUE MOON' Starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale and Andrew Scott. Production begins in early July in Dublin, Ireland. NEW YORK (June 18, 2024) – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that it has acquired all rights worldwide to BLUE MOON, directed by Academy Award® nominee Richard Linklater (HIT MAN, BOYHOOD, BEFORE SUNSET) and written by Robert Kaplow (author of the novel Me and Orson Welles). The film will star Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke in his 9th collaboration with Linklater, alongside Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale and Andrew Scott. Principal photography begins in Dublin, Ireland this summer with financing from Sony Pictures Classics and Renovo Media Group. BLUE MOON profiles the final days of Lorenz Hart, part of the hit songwriting team Rodgers & Hart, and is set primarily in Sardi’s Restaurant on March 31, 1943, the opening night of Oklahoma!, Rodgers’ first collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein II as Hart’s replacement. This film continues the distributor’s relationship with Linklater that dates back to the release of his first film, SLACKER. This relationship continued with Linklater’s films SUBURBIA and BEFORE MIDNIGHT. Sony Pictures Classics has also long worked with Hawke, who has starred in SPC titles including BEFORE MIDNIGHT, MAGGIE’S PLAN, MAUDIE and most recently Pedro Almodóvar’s STRANGE WAY OF LIFE, as well as with Qualley, who starred in Maggie Betts’ 2017 film NOVITIATE and Cannavale, in BLUE JASMINE. Linklater will produce the film alongside Mike Blizzard (HIT MAN, APOLLO 10 1⁄2: A SPACE AGE ADVENTURE), and John Sloss (BOYHOOD, GREEN BOOK). The film will be a Detour/Renovo production in association with Wild Atlantic Pictures, Under The Influence and Cinetic Media. Additional EPs include Wild Atlantic’s Macdara Kelleher, Donna Eperon and John Keville, Renovo Media Group’s David Kingland, Lisa Crnic and Aaron Wiederspahn, and Cinetic’s Steven Farneth. Additional notable film creatives include Director of Photography Shane F. Kelly (HIT MAN, BOYHOOD), Production Designer Susie Cullen (ABIGAIL, I KILL GIANTS), Oscar®-nominated Editor Sandra Adair (BOYHOOD, DAZED AND CONFUSED), and three-time Academy Award® nominee, Costume Designer Consolata Boyle (THE QUEEN, FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS). Said Linklater, “Robert, Ethan, and I have been developing this story for over a decade and are excited and grateful that the time has come to bring this to life.” Sony Pictures Classics said, "Almost a year ago, Rick, Ethan, and John reached out to us with Robert Kaplow's amazing script BLUE MOON. Helping them over the following months to bring it together has been incredibly exciting and now, on the verge of production, with this fantastic cast and crew in place and Rick at the helm, we are thrilled to finally announce it and bring the film to audiences everywhere in the world.” Sony Pictures Classics will support the production and Sony will release the film worldwide.
https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1971758-new-ethan-hawke-richard-linklater-movie-blue-moon-sets-release-date - New Ethan Hawke Richard Linklater Movie Blue Moon Sets Release Date. Sony Pictures has officially set the Blue Moon release date, revealing when the new Richard Linklater movie starring Ethan Hawke will release. Blue Moon’s release date is set for October 17, 2025, when the film will release with a limited rollout in Los Angeles and New York. A week later, on October 24, 2025, the film will expand nationwide. Alongside Hawke, Blue Moon will also star Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott. The film, which recently had its premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, profiles the final days of Lorenz Hart, part of the hit songwriting team Rodgers & Hart. The film is set primarily in Sardi’s Restaurant on March 31, 1943, the opening night of Oklahoma!, which marked Rodgers’s first collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein II as Hart’s replacement.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative is current, detailing the premiere of 'Blue Moon' at the BFI London Film Festival, which took place from 8 to 19 October 2025. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_BFI_London_Film_Festival?utm_source=openai)) The film's release date aligns with the festival's schedule, indicating timely reporting. However, the Daily Mail article was published on 17 October 2025, which is more than 7 days after the event, suggesting a slight delay in coverage. Additionally, the article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Moon_%282025_film%29?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The article includes direct quotes from Ethan Hawke regarding his casting in 'Blue Moon'. A search reveals that similar quotes were used in earlier reports, such as the Reuters article from 18 February 2025. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/ethan-hawke-had-long-wait-star-linklaters-blue-moon-2025-02-18/?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that the quotes may have been reused, potentially indicating recycled content. However, the specific wording varies slightly, which may indicate original reporting.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the Daily Mail has faced criticism for sensationalism and accuracy issues in the past. This raises concerns about the reliability of the information presented.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims about the 'Blue Moon' film's premiere at the BFI London Film Festival are plausible and align with known facts. The film's release date and festival schedule corroborate the narrative. The inclusion of specific details, such as the film's cast and director, adds credibility. However, the use of recycled quotes and the source's reliability issues slightly diminish the overall plausibility score.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative provides timely information about the 'Blue Moon' film's premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. However, the use of recycled quotes and the source's reliability issues raise concerns about the originality and accuracy of the content. Further verification from additional reputable sources is recommended to confirm the details presented.

Film premiere
Blue Moon
Ethan Hawke