Ethan Hawke has opened up about the physically demanding shoot of The Weight, his preference for real-world filmmaking and the possibility of returning as The Grabber if The Black Phone becomes a trilogy. The actor discussed the new historical crime drama in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter ahead of its September 18 theatrical release. Directed by Padraic McKinley, The Weight stars Hawke as Sam Murphy, a World War I veteran and widowed father who is sent to prison before being offered a chance at early freedom through a dangerous gold-smuggling mission.
Ethan Hawke Calls The Weight His Most Challenging Shoot
For Hawke, making The Weight meant leaving behind controlled studio environments and working in demanding outdoor locations. The film was shot in Germany’s Bavarian Forest, which stands in for the Oregon wilderness of the 1930s. Hawke said the experience likely ranks as his most challenging shoot, even compared with White Fang, which he filmed at 19.
The actor said he missed the sense of adventure that came from working in real locations. While the conditions were difficult during production, Hawke felt that the shared experience helped create camaraderie among the cast and crew. Another recent interview highlighted the physical risks involved in filming a river sequence, with Hawke describing the combination of cold real water and heavy logs as particularly dangerous.
Why Hawke Prefers Real Locations Over Green Screens
Hawke also spoke about his belief that filmmaking benefits from genuine environments. He pointed to Training Day, recalling that much of the film involved him and Denzel Washington actually driving around Los Angeles. According to Hawke, replacing such practical environments with green screens can affect how a scene feels, even when the technology works technically.
He acknowledged that visual effects can be effective, but argued that real locations can give performances and scenes an element that computer-generated environments cannot completely reproduce. That philosophy shaped The Weight, where the wilderness becomes an important part of Murphy’s journey. The film follows a group of convicts transporting gold through difficult terrain while hoping to secure their freedom.
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Could Ethan Hawke Return For Black Phone 3?
Hawke was also asked about the possibility of completing a Black Phone trilogy with director Scott Derrickson and producer Jason Blum. The actor said the decision would ultimately depend on Derrickson and whether he has an idea that genuinely excites him.
Hawke indicated that he, Blum and others involved would be open to returning if Derrickson found the right story. He also emphasized that the filmmaker would need a creative reason to continue the franchise rather than simply making another installment for commercial purposes. Hawke previously played The Grabber in The Black Phone, directed by Derrickson. The character's return in a potential third film therefore remains dependent on the filmmakers' plans.
The Weight Is Now In Theaters
The Weight arrived in theaters on September 18, 2026. The film also stars Russell Crowe, Julia Jones and Austin Amelio, with McKinley making his feature directorial debut. For Hawke, the film represents the kind of physically immersive production he has increasingly valued throughout his career. At the same time, his comments about The Black Phone leave the door open for another chapter, although no third film has been confirmed.
Final Take
Ethan Hawke’s comments offer a glimpse into the demanding process behind The Weight while also addressing the future of one of his best-known recent horror characters. For now, Black Phone 3 remains a possibility rather than a confirmed project, with any continuation depending on Scott Derrickson’s creative plans.
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