Ethan Hawke was relieved to wrap filming on his latest movie Blue Moon.

The 54-year-old actor takes on the role of songwriter Lorenz Hart in the new film that centres on the Broadway lyricist's struggles after the end of his creative partnership with Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) and admits that the part took everything out of him.

Speaking to BANG Showbiz and other assembled media at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of Blue Moon on Thursday (16.10.25) night, Ethan said: "Highlight day on set? Wrap! It was so exhausting playing this part and trying to get inside this world. I remember when we wrapped I felt amazing."

Blue Moon follows Hart in the grip of alcoholism and depression on the opening night of Rodgers and his new partner Oscar Hammerstein's (Simon Delaney) musical Oklahoma! in 1943 and Ethan was particularly grateful for the support of the film's director Richard Linklater.

The Dead Poets Society star explained: "This movie was almost like playing a character who is walking in front of a firing squad and can't stop talking. He is absolutely terrified that the world is leaving him behind.

"It's such a complex part and I don't think I could have done it without Richard. It's his passion, his intelligence, his grace and his care. That's how you do it."

Hawke explained that he did not feel the need to explore "addiction" on the big screen but felt that the "beautifully written" picture was impossible to turn down.

He said: "Life has taught me about addiction and artistry, I didn't need this part. It's a beautifully written piece. Exploring Larry makes you think about a lot."

Blue Moon is Ethan's latest collaboration with Linklater and the star is thrilled that the filmmaker is still interested in working with him 30 years on from Before Sunrise, the pair's first movie together.

He told The Hollywood Reporter at the Berlin Film Festival in February: "It feels like it's been a 30-year conversation.

"I met him one night after he came to see a play I was in and we talked till four in the morning. That was 30 years ago. And we just keep talking and these movies come out of that."