Maya Hawke makes most of ‘Women’ screen debut
North to receive BAFTA special award
LOS ANGELES, May 12, (Agencies): Little readers have long embraced “Little Women” and found inspiration in the character of Jo March, a headstrong young writer out to conquer the world.
Maya Hawke counts herself among the latest generation of fans of Louisa May Alcott’s 19th-century novel. But the lucky Hawke takes it one step further: She stars as Jo in a new version of “Little Women,” airing consecutive Sundays, May 13 and May 20, on PBS’ “Masterpiece” showcase (check local listings for times).
Lucky viewers, as well. The 19-year-old Hawke plays Jo with a coltish vibrancy that suits the role, and with an easy confidence that belies her resume: The drama is her first screen credit, with a part in the next season of “Stranger Things” following close behind.
“Little Women” held such appeal for Hawke that she left New York’s Juilliard School for it, a move that runs in the family: Her parents, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, both interrupted their studies when the professional world beckoned.
“This story spoke to me . ... I love novels, and the script was really well-written, because the book is well-written, and I wanted to get to speak those words,” Maya Hawke said in an interview. “I didn’t know if I was going to get to play it again, if ever, so I had to jump on it.”
The project was a draw for another reason. Jo’s literary passion helped Hawke in her struggle with dyslexia.
“Her drive and her love of language and storytelling really sparked my interest, and really inspired me to overcome the obstacles that were in my way, which were much more personal and less societal than hers, and follow my dreams and pursue what I love,” Hawke said.
She quickly adds: “But not at the expense of my family and my relationships. And that balance between relationships, obligations, family, friends, love and passion and work is a very important thing to have come together.”
Hawke’s answers, candid and delivered in flowing sentences, reveal a young woman who has pondered how to approach life and her place in the world. She doesn’t balk at discussing any topic — including following her successful parents (who divorced when she was a child) into acting.
“I understand the advantages that come from having parents in the industry. I understand the disadvantages,” she said. “I know that I’m really lucky. And I appreciate that luck and I hope to use that luck to do as well as I can and then to share it with as many people as possible. That’s my real goal.”
She does take issue with the notion that the offspring of people in the arts mimic their relatives’ careers just because they can.
“I love acting and storytelling more than most people in their right mind, and I’m only doing it because I’m (expletive) crazy about it, and couldn’t do anything else and care more about it than I should,” Hawke said.
Asked about her other loves, she reels off animals, travel, the visual arts and, especially, writing: “I keep a journal. I write poetry. I work on plays . ... It’s a really good way to keep working on your creativity during your downtime as an actor,” she said.
Hawke has dabbled in high-fashion modeling (which kicked off her mom’s career), but tackled a day of promotion for “Little Women” dressed down in a black sweater and pants topped by a jeans jacket, and wearing just a trace of makeup.
The fledgling actress made a good impression on co-star Emily Watson, who plays the March family matriarch, Marmee.
Voice actor Nolan North will be recognized for outstanding contribution to video game performance by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) next month at an event in Los Angeles.
North, best known for voicing Nathan Drake in the “Uncharted” series and Desmond Miles in the “Assassin’s Creed” series, has voiced characters in more than 180 titles over the course of his 20-year career. After the success of “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune” in 2007, North became one of the most recognizable names (and voices) in the gaming industry.
“To be recognized for one’s work is always special, but to be recognized by BAFTA is truly an honor,” North said. “I am humbled beyond words.”
ABC has renewed “How to Get Away With Murder” for a fifth season.
In Season 5 of the Shondaland series, Annalise, Michaela, Connor, Asher, and Laurel all struggle to move on with their lives after Wes’ death. But when a new mystery involving one of their own unfolds throughout the season, relationships are fractured, secrets are exposed and yet another truth is revealed.
The series stars Emmy winner Viola Davis in the lead role, along with Billy Brown, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry, Karla Souza, Charlie Weber, Liza Weil, and Conrad Ricamora. Pete Nowalk created the series in addition to serving as executive producer. Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, and Bill D’Elia also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by ABC Studios.
Nowalk broke the news on Twitter, writing, “Season 5, we are coming for you! Thanks to all our fans #HTGAWM.”
The renewal comes after Rhimes exited her longtime home at ABC Studios to take up a multi-year production deal with Netflix. Rhimes is still an executive producer on this series as well as “Grey’s Anatomy” and the spinoff “Station 19,” as well as the legal drama “For the People.” Fellow Shondaland show “Scandal” aired its series finale in April.
“For the People” and “Station 19” have also been renewed for second seasons.
NBC has picked up “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” for a sixth season, the network announced Friday.
The decision comes after the cop comedy was canceled at Fox after five seasons on Thursday. Producer Universal Television had been in talks with Hulu to keep the series afloat, but the streaming service ultimately passed. The sixth season will consist of 13 episodes. “Ever since we sold this show to Fox I’ve regretted letting it get away, and it’s high time it came back to its rightful home,” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment. “Mike Schur, Dan Goor, and Andy Samberg grew up on NBC and we’re all thrilled that one of the smartest, funniest, and best cast comedies in a long time will take its place in our comedy line-up. I speak for everyone at NBC, here’s to the Nine-Nine!”
With the move, series executive producer and co-creator Schur will have three shows on NBC for the 2018-2019 season. Along with “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” NBC also airs the critically-acclaimed single-camera comedy “The Good Place” and will air the recently-ordered multi-cam “Abby’s,” about an unlicensed bar in San Francisco.
It will also mark a homecoming of sorts for Samberg, who was previously a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.”
Fans of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” were stunned when Fox announced they were cancelling it along with fellow comedies “The Mick” and “The Last Man on Earth.”