Unveiling Res Dogs Season 3: The Epic Cameo That Stole the Show

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Reservation Dogs season 3 episode 9.

Summary

Ethan Hawke made an appearance as Rick, Elora's father, in the latest episode of Reservation Dogs. The casting director of the show shares that securing Ethan Hawke for a significant guest role in season 3 was unexpectedly effortless.

Ethan Hawke had expressed interest in collaborating with Sterlin Harjo, the co-creator of the show. The casting director of Reservation Dogs has shared how they managed to secure a prominent guest appearance for their latest episode. The series, which debuted in 2021, centers around teenagers from the Muscogee Nation residing in a small town in Oklahoma. In season 3, the storyline revolves around Elora (Devery Jacobs) discovering that her father, Rick, is alive. The recent episode titled "Elora's Dad" culminated in a much-anticipated reunion, featuring a noteworthy cameo - Ethan Hawke portrayed the character of Rick, surprising viewers.

TV Insider recently interviewed casting director Angelique Midthunder, who achieved a major success in Season 3 of Reservation Dogs. She revealed that although they considered other notable actors, Ethan Hawke was the ideal choice. Midthunder found it incredibly easy to secure Hawke for the show because he was already interested in collaborating with co-creator Sterlin Harjo. Here is Midthunder's complete statement:

"We understood the importance of finding an exceptional actor for this role. At the time, we weren't aware that this would be the final season. Considering Elora's father's significance in the storyline, it was an exciting opportunity to introduce a talented non-native actor to this world."

That was our initial conversation. I shared my ideas and suggestions with Sterlin Harjo, the series creator, and Ethan Hawke was among the names I mentioned. Sterlin was thrilled with the suggestion and said, "Let's get Ethan Hawke." The process was incredibly smooth and effortless. Ethan and Sterlin were both excited about collaborating, so it was an obvious and perfect choice.

When we have an opportunity to bring in a guest star like this, it's a departure from my usual work. I thoroughly enjoy creating a list and collaborating with my team to aim high. There was no one else we approached or seriously considered. Sterlin expressed his hope to have Ethan on board, and he made it happen. Everyone involved made it happen seamlessly.

The Stage Was Set for Ethan Hawke's Reservation Dogs Cameo

The Reservation Dogs cast has managed to attract an impressive lineup of talented individuals for its guest appearances in the short-lived series. Notable stars like Garrett Hedlund from Friday Night Lights, Amber Midthunder from Prey, Megan Mullally from Will & Grace, and comedian Marc Maron have already made appearances. However, the inclusion of Ethan Hawke in the latest episode is a significant achievement for Midthunder. It is especially noteworthy considering that Hawke typically prefers movie roles rather than television appearances. Throughout his career spanning 33 years since his feature debut in 1985's Explorers, Hawke has only appeared in four television episodes. However, in 2019, there was a shift when he made a cameo as his character James Sandin from The Purge in an episode of the USA Network show based on the movie franchise.

Following that, a floodgate of opportunities ensued, leading to his frequent appearances on television. Alongside his notable role in the seven-episode miniseries The Good Lord Bird, he assumed the role of Batman in 14 episodes of Batwheels and joined the cast of Moon Knight as the villainous Marvel character Arthur Harrow. It was through these experiences, which bolstered his confidence in tackling television projects, that Hawke ultimately agreed to make an appearance on Reservation Dogs.