Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley
Black Phone 2 Behind the Mask with Ethan Hawke
October 17, 2025 · 20 min
Why listen
Ethan Hawke explains what drew him back behind the mask for The Black Phone 2.
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In this episode
- Why Hawke returned to play The Grabber in the sequel
- How genre films let him explore ideas serious dramas cannot
- What decades of collaboration with Derrickson and Linklater taught him
- His philosophy on aging, curiosity, and a life spent storytelling
About this episode
Not many actors have lived as many lives on screen as Ethan Hawke. From Dead Poets Society to Reality Bites, Training Day to The Black Phone, his career is nothing short of a masterclass in evolution.At New York Comic Con, Jacqueline Coley sat down with the award-winning actor to talk about his return in The Black Phone 2 and the creative choices that have helped shape his second act. Ethan opens up about reuniting with longtime collaborator Scott Derrickson, stepping once again behind the mask of “The Grabber,” and how genre films allow him to explore deeper truths.
Reflecting on his decades-long collaborations with Richard Linklater and Jason Blum, Ethan shares insights on aging with curiosity and the wisdom that comes from a life devoted to storytelling. As he put it: “One lifetime is not enough.”
About Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley
A podcast series hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes. Claim your ticket to witness the personal narratives happening behind the scenes of film and entertainment. Each episode invites you into intimate conversations with filmmakers, actors and industry insiders.
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