Maya Hawke has long been making a name for herself with roles that are both captivating and relatable, drawing audiences in with her natural screen presence. Following the conclusion of Netflix’s Stranger Things, which carried its fair share of supernatural intrigue, Hawke is stepping into a similarly thrilling world once again—this time as the lead.

The story promises a compelling mix of suspense and emotion, as Hawke’s character becomes entangled in a fiery and unpredictable romance. Viewers can expect a film that blends otherworldly thrills with intense personal drama, giving Hawke plenty of room to shine as she navigates both love and danger.

Maya Hawke is set to appear in Wishful Thinking, a surrealist supernatural romantic comedy written and directed by Graham Parkes. The film follows Hawke’s character, Julia, an ambitious game designer in Portland, Oregon, whose relationship with musician Charlie, played by Lewis Pullman, triggers inexplicable supernatural effects on the world—ranging from earthquakes to market upheavals—as their emotional states directly impact reality. Wishful Thinking is slated to have its world premiere at the 2026 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival in March.

The first look image of the leads showcases them in character, embracing each other amid a blue-hued backdrop that hints at the film’s blend of romantic sweep and reality-bending absurdity. The visuals evoke both warmth and unease, suggesting emotional volatility spilling into the environment, perfectly capturing the film’s tone of love-struck chaos. This, notably, will not be Maya Hawke’s only career progression following Stranger Things.

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Hollywood’s superior nepo baby is not just an actress but also a musician, and she might have something to offer soon on the latter front.

Maya Hawke teased that new music could be on the horizon during her January 8 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. While she did not commit to specifics, Hawke explained that working on Stranger Things has often inspired her songwriting, noting she typically writes an album while filming each season. Playfully, she said that since the latest season wrapped, a new record might finally emerge. 

With Wishful Thinking approaching and the possibility of new music stirring excitement, Maya Hawke is clearly entering an electrifying new chapter in her career. Balancing supernatural romance on-screen with a deeply personal connection to her music, she continues to prove herself as a multifaceted talent. The masses can look forward to seeing Hawke explore daring new roles and creative avenues this year, making her one of Hollywood’s most intriguing young performers to watch.

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What are your thoughts on Wishful Thinking? Let us know in the comments below.