Maya Hawke Jokes About Tarantino’s On-Set Advice: “Keep Your Shoes On”

Actress Maya Hawke recently shared hilarious advice from her mother about working with director Quentin Tarantino. The conversation occurred on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast. Hawke’s mother is Uma Thurman, who starred in several of Tarantino’s most famous films.

The advice was simple, direct, and sparked immediate laughter. It directly references the long-standing rumors about the director’s noted on-screen focus.

The Enduring Legacy of Tarantino’s Filmmaking Quirks

Uma Thurman collaborated with Tarantino on Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill series. Her daughter later appeared in his 2019 film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Hawke’s quick-witted response highlights an inside joke known throughout the industry.

This is not the first time the topic has surfaced publicly. Brad Pitt famously joked about it during his 2020 SAG Awards acceptance speech for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He thanked the feet of his co-stars Margot Robbie and Margaret Qualley.

Tarantino’s films frequently feature close-up shots of women’s bare feet. This recurring visual motif has become a signature element of his work. It has fueled widespread discussion and humor for many years.

How the Director Himself Addresses the Speculation

Despite the constant jokes, Tarantino has addressed the rumors with a degree of nonchalance. He told GQ in 2021 that he does not take the speculation seriously. He defended his directorial choices as simply part of creating compelling cinema.

He also noted that other acclaimed directors have faced similar accusations. He mentioned filmmakers like Luis Buñuel and Alfred Hitchcock. The director frames it as a matter of artistic focus rather than a personal fixation.

The moment on Poehler’s podcast shows that the conversation remains a light-hearted part of his legacy. It connects a new generation of actors with a well-known piece of Hollywood lore. The story quickly gained traction across entertainment news platforms, including Reuters.

The playful exchange confirms that the talk of Tarantino’s directorial trademarks is far from over. This latest anecdote adds another layer to the enduring Hollywood narrative surrounding the iconic filmmaker.

Dropping this nugget your way

What was the exact advice Maya Hawke received?

Maya Hawke said her mother, Uma Thurman, told her to “keep your shoes on.” This was her advice for working with director Quentin Tarantino. The comment was made during an interview on a podcast.

How did Brad Pitt reference this topic?

Brad Pitt joked about it during a SAG Award acceptance speech in 2020. He specifically thanked the feet of his co-stars from *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*. His quip drew widespread laughter from the audience.

Has Quentin Tarantino ever responded to the foot fetish rumors?

Yes, he addressed them in a 2021 interview with GQ. Tarantino stated that he does not take the rumors seriously. He defended the shots as part of good directorial technique.

Which other directors have been linked to similar accusations?

Tarantino himself has noted that Luis Buñuel and Alfred Hitchcock were accused of the same thing. He also mentioned Sofia Coppola in the same context. He uses this to normalize his own creative decisions.

What films did Uma Thurman make with Tarantino?

Uma Thurman starred in *Pulp Fiction* and the two *Kill Bill* movies. These collaborations are considered some of her most iconic roles. Her work with the director cemented her status as an action star.

Trusted Sources

The Associated Press, Reuters, BBC