Blue Moon: Release date news, cast details and more about the latest biographical drama starring Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke's makes his big screen return today (limited theatrical premiere) with the biographical drama Blue Moon that revolves around the tumultuous journey of famous American lyricist Lorenz Milton Hart as he detaches from his musical partner, the iconic Richard Rodgers. American filmmaker Richard Linklater (marking his ninth collaboration with Hawke) is at the helm of the project with a screenplay from Robert Kaplow, while Mike Blizzard and John Sloss have worked as producers.

Emmy-nominated actress Margaret Qualley co-stars alongside Ethan Hawke in one of the lead roles of this biopic whose casting announcements happened back in mid-2024. The official synopsis of Blue Moon, per IMDb reads:

"Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of "Oklahoma!"."

When will Blue Moon be released?

Ethan Hawke starrer Blue Moon makes its theatrical premiere today in the United States with limited screenings across New York and Los Angeles and will have a nationwide release on October 24, per Deadline. Earlier this year, in February, Blue Moon had its early screening at the Berlin International Film Festival.

What do we know about the story of Blue Moon?

Dating back to 1943, the premise of Blue Moon is set mainly in the aftermath of visionary lyricist Lorenz Hart's separation from the famous Rodgers and Hart duo. After Rodgers (aka Richard Rodgers) parts ways with his partner Lorenz Hart (played by Ethan Hawke), the former joins hands with songwriter Oscar Hammerstein.

As their first musical duo, Oklahoma! heads to opening night, Lorenz Hart (once known for his creative genius) battles depression and chronic alcoholism. Struggling with his personal problems while trying to balance professional life, Hart ends up at the bar of a famous New York food joint named Sardi's - the venue chosen for the afterparty.

As Hart expresses his discontent about his former partner's newest venture to the bartender, the story begins. As confirmed by multiple sources, a major part of the movie takes place at the above-mentioned bar while trying to portray Hart's turbulent mental state seeing his ex-partner outshine him.

Who is in the cast of Blue Moon?

Ethan Hawke will lead the cast of Blue Moon, playing the role of Lorenz Hart with Margaret Qualley (known from The Leftovers, The Nice Guys, and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood) taking up the part of a beautiful young student from Yale (and the former's romantic interest) named Elizabeth Weiland. BAFTA TV award-winning star Andrew Scott will portray the famous Richard Rodgers, while Bobby Cannavale will play the part of the bartender Eddie.

Among others in the cast, we have: