Ethan Hawke’s upcoming film Wildcat delves into the life of author Flannery O’Connor, portrayed by Maya Hawke. The film follows O’Connor’s struggles to publish her first novel and explores themes important to all artists. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Oscar-nominee Laura Linney, Philip Ettinger, Rafael Casal, Steve Zahn, Cooper Hoffman and more. In addition to directing and producing Wildcat, Ethan co-wrote the script with Shelby Gaines. The film is produced by Joe Goodman of Good Country Pictures, Ryan Hawke and Ethan Hawke of Under the Influence Productions, Cory Pyke from Renovo Media Group, Kevin Downes and Jon Erwin from Kingdom Story Company, Eric Groth & David Kingland from Renovo Media Group, and Maya Hawke through Under The Influence Productions.
Flannery O’Connor’s Work
This project aims to introduce a new generation to the works of Flannery O’Connor and her unique take on American South and faith through her offbeat short fiction. O’Connor was a devout Catholic from Georgia and despite being plagued by lupus for much of her life, she received posthumous acclaim including National Book Award before her death at 39. Her notable works include two books of short stories, A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Everything That Rises Must Converge, as well as the novel Wise Blood. Through this film, Ethan and Maya Hawke hope to introduce a new generation of filmgoers to the genius that was Flannery O’Connor and her impactful writing.
Flannery O’Connor’s Life
“Wildcat,” the upcoming film directed by Ethan Hawke and co-written by Shelby Gaines, is set to explore the life of Flannery O’Connor, a renowned American author from the South known for her offbeat short fiction about faith and the American South. The film, which stars Maya Hawke as O’Connor, delves into the struggles O’Connor faced in publishing her first novel and the themes that are important to all artists. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Oscar-nominee Laura Linney, Philip Ettinger, Rafael Casal, Steve Zahn, Cooper Hoffman, and more.
Ethan Hawke is not only the director and producer of “Wildcat” but also co-writer of the script, and Joe Goodman of Good Country Pictures is also a producer along with Ryan Hawke and Ethan Hawke of Under the Influence Productions; Cory Pyke from Renovo Media Group; Kevin Downes and Jon Erwin from Kingdom Story Company; Eric Groth & David Kingland from Renovo Media Group; along with Maya herself through Under The Influence Productions.
About Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke, who stars in the film as O’Connor, is an accomplished actress and producer. She has starred in several films and TV shows, including “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Game of Thrones,” and the Netflix hit series “Stranger Things.” She has also appeared alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kristen Wiig, Meryl Streep, and Saoirse Ronan. Maya has also ventured into producing with two documentaries released by AppleTV+, “Beastie Boys Story” and “On The Rocks” starring Bill Murray.
According to producer David Kingland, “This project has brought together a unique combination of cast and crew to share Flannery O’Connor’s life and writings to fans and new audiences alike.”
With the father-daughter Hawke duo leading the project, a new generation will be exposed to the works of the acclaimed author. O’Connor, a devout Catholic from Georgia, was invited to the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop and became famous for her offbeat short fiction about the American South and faith. Despite being plagued by lupus for much of her life, she received posthumous acclaim, including National Book Award, before dying at 39. Her notable works include two books of short stories: “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” and “Everything That Rises Must Converge,” as well as the novel “Wise Blood.”
Ethan Hawke hopes that the film will introduce a new generation of filmgoers to the genius of Flannery O’Connor. “Maya has been working hard for years to put this project together, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to introduce a new generation of filmgoers to the genius of Flannery O’Connor,” he said.