New films, starring Hilary Swank, Ethan Hawke, have Louisville ties. Here's what to know

In December it was announced that the Louisville Gardens is set to be transformed into a Hollywood-style soundstage meant to attract film, television and digital productions to the city and state. Construction on the 117-year-old venue will take about four years to complete but in the meantime, there is plenty of entertainment news to report tied to Louisville.

Here's what to know:

Actor Ethan Hawke shooting 'Wildcat' movie in Kentucky

The most recent Hollywood buzz is a feature film directed by actor Ethan Hawke being shot in the Louisville area.

According to Angela Boehm Casting, the working title for the movie is "Wildcat." The film is based on the life of writer Flannery O'Connor. The director's daughter, Maya Hawke ("Stranger Things"), and her mom, Uma Thurman ("Pulp Fiction," "Kill Bill"), have been seen around Louisville since Ethan Hawke began scouting locations.

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We're not certain if either Maya Hawke or Uma Thurman are cast in the film, they may just be visiting Ethan Hawke. What is certain is the film is casting extras for paid stand-in and background work. If you are interested, you'll find current information at Angela Boehm Casting on Facebook.

'Ordinary Angels,' starring Hilary Swank, features a Louisville story

"Ordinary Angels" is inspired by the incredible true story of Sharon Stevens, a Louisville hair stylist who single-handedly rallied an entire community to help a widowed father save the life of his critically ill young daughter during one of Louisville's worst snowstorms.

"Ordinary Angels" was filmed in Winnipeg, Canada in 2022 and stars Oscar winner Hilary Swank along with "Reacher" star Alan Ritchson, Nancy Travis, Drew Powell, Amy Acker, and others. The movie is directed by John Gunn ("The Unbreakable Boy") and produced by Dave Matthews, lead singer of The Dave Matthews Band, and others.

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"Ordinary Angels" is currently in post-production with a release date scheduled for 2023. As we await for the release, read Courier Journal reporter Matt Glowicki's story on the real-life events on which the film is based.

'A Place Called Home,' staring Sean Ramey, was shot in Kentucky

Award-winning Louisville actor Sean Ramey stars in "A Place Called Home," a feature film shot in Russellville and Auburn, Kentucky.

The film tells the story of Levi (Ben Gavin), a father left to care for his two daughters after his wife dies during childbirth. When times get tough, Levi asks for help from a ruthless loan shark. (Never a great idea.) Things get intense when Levi is forced to fight to save his family and their home.

According to Ramey, "A Place Called Home" has received several awards on the film festival circuit. Ramey won Best Supporting Actor for his role at the WorldFest House Film Festival.

Kiel Thornton, the film's director, and writer is also a Kentucky native. He shot some of the films in his hometown of Auburn, Kentucky.

You can watch "A Place Called Home" on Amazon, Apple TV and iTunes.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Actors Ethan Hawke, Hilary Swank star in movies with Louisville ties