Ethan Hawke Slams Casting Based on Instagram Followers: “Crazy” Trend in Hollywood!

Maya Hawke, ‘Stranger Things’ star recently pointed out one issue that’s been on the rise in Hollywood – the issue of actors being cast based on social media followers. She explained that if she deleted her Instagram account, a director might be forced to cast someone else to make up for the lost followers.

She said she has wanted to delete her Instagram account, but she hasn’t been able to because, unfortunately, in this day and age, it could be the reason she doesn’t get cast in a film role.

The line between actor and celebrity has gotten extremely blurry. What I always wanted to be is an actor where the work is what the draw is, not the personhood. But the industry keeps changing, and you have to change with it and understand that all of these things are getting blurred.

Ethan Hawke recently spoke about his daughter Maya’s comments. He agreed, saying he has seen this happen too and thinks it’s “crazy.”

I really feel for these people. It’s really hard. 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 10 million followers.’ I’m like, ‘OK cool, has she acted before?’ ‘No, but…’ And you’re like, ‘Wow, so this is going to help me get the movie made? This is crazy.’

Hawke questioned the idea that an actor’s career depends on social media, saying, “So if I don’t have this, I can’t work? And if I get more followers, I might get the role? What?“

While promoting his new film “Blue Moon” at the festival, he also shared his thoughts on young actors today, saying many believe acting is just about “drinking protein shakes and working out.“

I wish they could meet Phil Hoffman like I did when I was 18, because it’s a much more substantive and enjoyable life. I mean, go to the gym if you want to, but that doesn’t make you — Robert De Niro is not great because he has a six-pack. If the part calls for it, he’ll do it, and that’s awesome. But he’s so much more than that.

Hawke said his daughter has helped him understand social media’s role in the industry.

He joked that she often gives him advice, saying things like, “Dad, you need an Instagram… That post was terrible, delete it!“

Despite this, he’s not worried about her career, calling her a natural artist who’s always creating—whether it’s painting, singing, or acting. “I learn a lot from her now,” he added.

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