BREAKING TOP STORY

Ethan Hawke heading back to Virginia to film 'Raymond and Ray' with Ewan McGregor

Colleen Curran 4 hrs ago

Ethan Hawke is heading back to Virginia this fall to film a new feature film "Raymond and Ray" with Ewan McGregor.

From Apple Original Films, "Raymond and Ray" tells the story of half-brothers who have lived in the shadow of a difficult father. Rodrigo García, who worked on "In Treatment," will write and direct. Oscar-winner Alfonso Cuarón, of "Gravity" and "Roma," will produce with Bonnie Curtis of "Saving Private Ryan" and Julie Lynn of "Albert Nobbs." Lynn is a board member for the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville and a graduate of the University of Virginia.

The crew will start filming in the Central Virginia area, including metro Richmond and possibly in Hopewell and Petersburg, starting in early October. The crew is expected to continue filming in Virginia and wrap up around Christmas.

“Major projects like Raymond and Ray shine a powerful spotlight on and increase awareness of all that Virginia offers,” Gov. Ralph Northam said in an announcement for the project. “We look forward to working with the film’s exceptional team and to the economic benefits a film of this scale will bring to Virginia workers and businesses.”

“Attending the lovely Virginia Film Festival whetted our appetite to film in the Commonwealth,” director Garcia said, along with producers Cuaron, Curtis, and Lynn in a joint statement. “The Virginia Film Office has been amazing, and we’re thrilled to bring 'Raymond and Ray' here, with Apple’s support, to take advantage of the gorgeous locations and fall colors."

Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office, said that Hawke enjoyed filming "Good Lord Bird" in the Virginia and was eager to come back. He's also pleased to work with University of Virginia grad Julie Lynn on "Raymond and Ray."

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Hawke lived with his family in Richmond's Fan District while filming "The Good Lord Bird" and said that he enjoyed Richmond's lively restaurant scene, swimming in the James River and watching movies at the Byrd Theatre.

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ccurran@timesdispatch.com

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Twitter: @collcurran