Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood takes viewers back to a version of 1969 Los Angeles that feels warm, messy, and on the edge of change. The film is filled with faces that stick with audiences, even when they appear only for a moment. One of those is Maya Hawke, whose brief role drew plenty of attention.

When the movie came out, the actress was just starting and was not yet the familiar Stranger Things star. Her casting quickly sparked discussion about how her family ties may have given her a foot in the door. The matter soon snowballed into a larger conversation about nepotism, privilege, and whether famous surnames make a difference in landing meaningful roles. However, Maya Hawke seems to be owning her nepo baby label.

In a 2024 interview with The Times, Maya Hawke reacted to the nepotism discussion by admitting that her family background helped her land a role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Speaking to the publication, the actress responded to a viral clip in which she said she auditioned for the role. Many interpreted the comment as her implying that she got the part purely through talent and hard work, without the influence of her family.

“I never meant to imply that I didn't get the part for nepotistic reasons. I think I totally did,” Ethan Hawke's daughter said. Additionally, she reflected on the wider privilege attached to her success.

In her The Times interview, Maya Hawke said she understands that many people deserve to be in her position. She, however, acknowledged that she will continue to embrace the opportunities she now has, despite not deserving them. Hawke added that the alternative would have been to change her name, get a nose job, and attend open casting calls. Starting from scratch does not make sense, though, when easier access is available.

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Maya Hawke’s mother, notably, was well acquainted with Quentin Tarantino and was more than supportive of her daughter’s collaboration with the director. 

Uma Thurman and Quentin Tarantino share a long and well-known creative history. Thurman became a pop culture icon as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction and later led Kill Bill, delivering some of the most memorable performances of her career.

While their working relationship has had its ups and downs over the years, Maya Hawke said her mom had no issues with her collaborating with Tarantino. Hawke shared that she spoke to Thurman at length before taking the role and felt fully supported throughout the process.

In the end, Maya Hawke’s casting says as much about Hollywood as it does about her. The industry has long operated on access, familiarity, and personal connections, well before nepotism became a widely used label online. Hawke is hardly alone in facing these questions, but her honesty sets her apart. And as she continues to build her career beyond brief roles and famous ties, the focus is gradually shifting from how she got in the door to what she chooses to do once inside it.

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What do you think about Maya Hawke owning her nepo baby label? Let us know in the comments.