When Dead Poets Society legend Ethan Hawke got the chance to star alongside Taylor Swift in her cinematic Fortnight music video, it was not his agent or manager who made it happen; it was his daughter. In a moment that has since melted hearts across the internet, Hawke revealed that his daughter, Maya Hawke, best known for Stranger Things, was the one who connected him with Swift.
During an interview with Variety, Hawke could not stop praising Swift’s creativity, professionalism, and star power, explaining how her presence immediately stood out from the moment they met. Speaking about his experience on set, Hawke said:
That woman is incredible… To watch her empower herself to direct these videos and take it all on the chin and be willing to stand out front, it is not easy.
You meet her and you’re like, ‘Oh, I know why you’re famous. You’re amazing! You are not the average bear.’ She’s a force of nature. It’s easy to make fun and it’s easy to be armchair critical and stuff. It’s hard to do anything.
Hawke’s admiration came after appearing alongside Swift and Josh Charles in the moody, cinematic video for Fortnight, the lead single from The Tortured Poets Department. Written and directed by Swift, the cinematic visual showcases her growing mastery of storytelling through imagery. This skill has been praised by critics, fans, and now, one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
Hawke went on to share that his daughter texted him out of the blue, saying, “Hey Dad, Taylor Swift wants your number.” That one message sparked an unlikely collaboration.
Hawke did not just thank his daughter for setting up a career highlight; he thanked her for introducing him to what he now calls a “force of nature” in modern music. In doing so, he unintentionally gave Swifties everywhere one more reason to love their favorite artist’s fearless creative reach.
Taylor Swift Expands Her Vision With Fortnight
Released in April 2024, Taylor Swift takes her storytelling to cinematic heights in Fortnight, blurring the line between pop stardom and visionary filmmaking. The black-and-white visual, written and directed by Swift herself, channels classic film aesthetics with haunting intimacy, a tone that perfectly mirrors the emotional depths of The Tortured Poets Department.
Featuring Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles, Swift casts the veteran actors as figures of reflection and regret, mirroring the song’s lyrical exploration of time, memory, and creative torment.
Hawke’s recent praise only reinforces what fans and critics already see: that Swift is a true storyteller, not just through melody and lyrics, but through the language of film. With Fortnight, she has demonstrated that her direction is as intentional and layered as her songwriting, merging poetic vision with visual precision.
Why Taylor Swift Was Snubbed at the 2026 Grammys?
When the 2026 Grammy nominations were announced, many fans were shocked to see Taylor Swift missing from the list, especially after the record-breaking success of The Life of a Showgirl. Swift’s absence quickly sparked headlines and fan debates.
However, the truth behind her “snub” is entirely procedural. Swift was not overlooked by the Recording Academy; her new album simply missed the eligibility window. Released on October 3, 2025, the project fell outside the official Grammy period, which ran from September 1, 2024, through August 30, 2025. That means her new album will instead qualify for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
Still, the conversation surrounding her absence speaks volumes about her cultural dominance. Even when she is ineligible, Swift remains at the center of the Grammy conversation. Critics note that the timing might actually work in her favor: The Life of a Showgirl could arrive fresh in voters’ minds when the 2027 season rolls around, giving her yet another potential sweep year.
Swifties, did you love what Ethan Hawke said about Taylor Swift? Share your thoughts in the comments!
