Ethan Hawke Reveals Robin Williams' Epic Improv on 'Dead Poets Society' Set

Get ready for some serious nostalgia! Ethan Hawke recently spilled the beans on what it was like working with the legendary Robin Williams on the set of the iconic Dead Poets Society, and it turns out Williams had a unique way of doing things. Plus, you won't believe who reunited some of the cast members recently!

TL;DR

• Ethan Hawke credits Robin Williams with teaching him a profound lesson about acting improvisation on the set of Dead Poets Society.
• Williams often didn't follow the script, freely adding his own ideas, which director Peter Weir surprisingly embraced.
• Hawke and co-star Josh Charles recently had a mini Dead Poets Society reunion in Taylor Swift's "Fortnight" music video.

Unlocking Creativity: Robin Williams' Unscripted Genius on Set

If you're a fan of classic coming-of-age dramas, 1989's Dead Poets Society is probably high on your list. The film, starring the unforgettable Robin Williams as English teacher John Keating, alongside a young Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, and Robert Sean Leonard, is celebrated for its poignant story and the iconic "O' Captain, My Captain" scene. But what if we told you that a lot of the magic on screen wasn't even in the original script?

Ethan Hawke, who played Todd Anderson, recently looked back at his early career in a Vanity Fair interview. He shared an incredible insight into Williams' working method, revealing that the comedy legend brought his improvisational flair even to dramatic roles. According to Hawke, Robin Williams "didn't do the script." Imagine that! A major Hollywood star, known for his comedic genius, just going with his gut on a dramatic film. Hawke admitted he "didn't know you could do that."

"Robin Williams didn't do the script... If he had an idea, he just did it. He didn't ask permission. And that was a new door that was opened to my brain, that you could play like that."

— Ethan Hawke, on working with Robin Williams

The Art of Collaboration: How Director Peter Weir Embraced the Unpredictable

Now, you might think a director would be a bit stressed by an actor veering off script. But not Peter Weir, the acclaimed director behind classics like Witness and The Truman Show. Hawke explained that Weir was actually fine with Williams' spontaneous approach "as long as we still achieved the same goals that the script had." This wasn't chaos; it was a unique form of collaboration.

Hawke, who was just 18 at the time, was mesmerized. He noted that Williams, though a "comic genius," was still relatively new to dramatic acting. Witnessing Williams and Weir, two artists with "very different way of working," manage to connect and create something incredible was a masterclass for the young actor. "They didn't judge one another or resist one another. They worked with each other. That's exciting," Hawke recalled. This kind of creative partnership, he learned, allows the "collective imagination" to make the movie "bigger than one person's point of view," encompassing "multiple perspectives." It's a testament to trust and mutual respect on set.

A Timeless Tale: Revisiting the World of Welton Academy

Dead Poets Society quickly became a cultural touchstone, resonating with audiences for its themes of individuality, passion, and the power of seizing the day (Carpe Diem!). The film's critical and commercial success cemented its place in cinematic history, earning both accolades and a loyal fanbase that continues to grow.

Dead Poets Society At A Glance:

• Release Date: June 2, 1989
• Director: Peter Weir
• Writer: Tom Schulman (won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay!)
• Key Cast:
  • Robin Williams as John Keating
  • Ethan Hawke as Todd Anderson
  • Robert Sean Leonard as Neil Perry
  • Josh Charles as Knox Overstreet
  • Gale Hansen as Charlie Dalton
  • Dylan Kussman as Richard Cameron
  • Kurtwood Smith as Mr. Perry
  • Allelon Ruggiero as Steven Meeks
  • James Waterston as Gerard Pitts
• Runtime: 129 minutes
• Rating: PG (for thematic elements, language, and brief nudity)
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85% Certified Fresh
• Box Office: Over $235.9 million worldwide
• Oscar Nominations: 4 (including Best Picture, Best Actor for Williams, Best Director for Weir)

From Welton Academy to the Tortured Poets Department: A Modern Reunion

Fast forward to 2024, and the spirit of Dead Poets Society found a fresh, unexpected stage. Pop superstar Taylor Swift, a known fan of intricate lyrical storytelling, brought together Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles for her "Fortnight" music video, the lead single from her album The Tortured Poets Department. This was a delightful surprise for fans!

The black-and-white music video features Hawke and Charles as "Dr. Anderson" and "Dr. Overstreet" — a clear and clever nod to their characters Todd Anderson and Knox Overstreet from the 1989 film. Swift herself joined in the fun on social media, excitedly quipping, "tortured poets, meet your colleagues from down the hall, the dead poets." It was a perfect blend of modern pop culture and a beloved film classic, reminding everyone just how enduring the legacy of Dead Poets Society truly is.

The Lasting Impact of Robin Williams' Unforgettable Performance

Hawke's reflections give us a deeper appreciation for the creative energy that went into Dead Poets Society. Robin Williams' willingness to break convention, combined with Peter Weir's open-minded direction, resulted in a film that felt uniquely authentic and continues to inspire. It wasn't just a movie for Ethan Hawke; it was a profound lesson in artistry, collaboration, and the power of embracing the unexpected. The film's message to "Carpe Diem" — seize the day — clearly resonated both on and off screen, shaping young actors and captivating audiences for decades. And thanks to Taylor Swift, a new generation is getting a peek into the world of these "dead poets"!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dead Poets Society

Where can I stream Dead Poets Society?

You can currently stream Dead Poets Society on Disney+ and Hulu in many regions. Always check your local streaming services for availability.

What is Dead Poets Society rated?

The film is rated PG for some thematic elements, language, and brief nudity. It's generally considered appropriate for older children and teens, but parental guidance is suggested.

How long is Dead Poets Society?

Dead Poets Society has a runtime of approximately 129 minutes (just over two hours).

What is the main message of Dead Poets Society?

The film's central message encourages individualism, self-expression, and living life to the fullest, often summarized by the Latin phrase "Carpe Diem," or "Seize the Day."

Sources

• Collider (https://collider.com/ethan-hawke-robin-williams-dead-poets-society-improv-taylor-swift-reunion/)
• Entertainment Weekly (Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly)
• FandomWire (https://fandomwire.com/robin-williams-never-followed-dead-poets-society-script-and-didnt-ask-permission-to-throw-it-aside-says-ethan-hawke-if-he-had-an-idea-he-just-did-it/)
• ComingSoon (Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon)
• The Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ethan-hawke-robin-williams-dead-poets-society-1236053335/)
• The News Digital (By The News Digital)
• Parade (This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section.)
• Variety (https://variety.com/2025/film/news/robin-williams-dead-poets-society-script-ethan-hawke-1236195536/)
• CinemaBy Quentin Couprie (https://www.3dvf.com/cinema/directing-robin-williams-in-one-of-his-greatest-roles-wasnt-easy-but-this-experience-left-a-lasting-impression-on-his-partner/)
• BANG Showbiz (Speaking to BANG Showbiz at the picture's BFI London Film Festival premiere earlier this month)