The Daily Show: Ears Edition TDS Time Machine | Oscar Nominees 2026
Mar 22, 2026
Michael B. Jordan, actor/producer known for Creed and action roles, talks training, stunts, and directing ambitions. Ryan Coogler, director/writer behind Creed, shares his inspirations and filmmaking roots. Ethan Hawke, actor/writer/director noted for Blue Moon, sits for a long interview about his recent work. They cover filmmaking origins, performance transformation, and behind-the-scenes processes.
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How Paul Thomas Anderson Gets Extraordinary Performances
- Paul Thomas Anderson credits casting and listening to actors as the key to the performances in his films.
- He writes extensively, sometimes up to 50 drafts, then “throws the script out the window” on set to let actors bring scenes alive.
Ethan Hawke Disappeared Into Blue Moon
- Ethan Hawke described transforming into a five-foot comb-over alcoholic for Blue Moon to disappear into the role.
- Director Richard Linklater pushed him to 'disappear,' prompting Hawke to alter voice, look, and vulnerability across the film's long monologues.
Creed Born From Fatherhood And Rocky Fandom
- Ryan Coogler framed Creed as a personal film inspired by his father's illness and love of Rocky.
- He wrote a story where a young fighter connects with an aging hero to motivate resilience, making the film emotionally rooted.
