By now, you’ve probably heard the celebrity buzz that multi-hyphenate Ethan Hawke — best known for his roles in “Training Day” and “Dead Poets Society” — has been sighted in Louisville on multiple occasions.
The four-time Oscar nominee is in town shooting a movie about writer Flannery O’Conner’s life — and with all the stardom floating around, we thought we’d take a behind-the-scenes look at the movie, filming locations, and a few local businesses he has visited so far.
Ethan Hawke with Four Pegs owner Chris Williams.
Photo by @four_pegs
🍿 The movie
While there is no IMBD or other official listing for the movie “Wildcat” (working title), we do know that Hawke is the director and that it chronicles the life of famed Southern writer Flannery O’Conner — mostly in the 1950s.
Ethan Hawke’s daughter and “Stranger Things” star Maya Hawke has also been spotted at filming locations alongside her mom Uma Thurman, but it’s unconfirmed if they’re part of the cast or just hanging out.
🎥 Filming locations
Since last summer, Hawke has been scouting locations to shoot his movie. Here are a few confirmed and unconfirmed filming sights.
St. James Court
Status: Confirmed
On Friday, Jan. 13 film crews and old-timey cars were seen in one of Louisville’s most famous neighborhoods, Old Louisville’s St. James court, which is known for being the largest contiguous collection of Victorian mansions in the US. Some of the shooting also took place in one of the court’s homes.
Old Shelby County jail
Status: Unconfirmed
Known locally as the “White Rock Motel,” this jail built in 1892 was of interest to Hawke back in October. He also toured the historic courthouse there, too.
Louisville Zoo
Status: Unconfirmed
Another potential filming location could be our zoo. Hawke also scouted this location in July.
🔭 Hawke sightings
No binoculars were needed to spot Hawke visiting these three local restaurants.
Morning Fork, 1722 Frankfort Ave.
Spotted: Sunday, Dec. 11
In December, Hawke ate at this Clifton-area brunch spot and managed to snap a couple of selfies with staff, too.
Four Pegs Smokehouse & Bar, 1053 Goss Ave.
Spotted: Saturday, Jan. 14
Hawke took a trip to Germantown to eat a veggie burger at this 1876 landmark-turned-BBQ joint. He also took a photo with the owner, Chris Williams.
Highland Morning, 1416 Bardtown Rd.
Spotted: Monday, Jan. 16
This guy really loves his breakfast. Hawke made a visit to another breakfast staple on Monday. Again, taking the time to for a photo opp with its staff.
