Hunter Schafer Reveals the 6 Films That Shaped Her Entire Career
From her breakout role in Euphoria to a string of major film appearances, Hunter Schafer has become a significant Hollywood talent. Now, the actress is opening up about the cinematic works that have profoundly influenced her craft, offering a personal look into the art that inspires her own.
Get ready to see a lot more of Hunter Schafer. The actress has been on a meteoric rise, capturing audiences' attention with her standout performance in the chilling 2024 horror film Cuckoo and, of course, her iconic role on the hit series Euphoria. Her journey is remarkable; transitioning from a successful modeling career, she stepped into the role of Jules Vaughn with no formal acting background and earned critical praise across three seasons. This success has catapulted her onto the big screen, with a notable part in 2023's The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and a brief appearance in Yorgos Lanthimos's Kinds of Kindness. With a packed schedule that includes eight upcoming projects—from more Euphoria to a Blade Runner mini-series and an A24 horror flick—her star is only set to climb higher.
A Mix of Animation and Gritty Realism
When discussing the movies that have left a lasting mark on her, Schafer points to a diverse collection spanning animated wonders, poignant documentaries, and blockbuster superhero tales. In a conversation with Letterbox, she shared some of her top picks. “One for sure is Paris is Burning by Jennie Livingston, a favourite, always,” she noted. She also highlighted an animated gem, saying, “Mind Game by Masaaki Yuasa, a really great anime movie.”
Her list also includes a universally acclaimed classic. “(And) This is like so many people’s favourite, but The Dark Knight by Christopher Nolan, it’s incredible,” she admitted. But her connection to animation runs deep, particularly with one Studio Ghibli character. “And then Ponyo by Studio Ghibli. If any character feels like who I am, it’s Ponyo. I wrote a TV episode about sea blobs, it’s just very in line with who I am.”
The Enduring Power of Studio Ghibli
Schafer elaborated on her passion for the work of Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki, singling out one movie that provides a perfect escape. “I rewatched Spirited Away when I was sick, and that always takes me far away from earth. It’s a treasure,” she explained. The picture was a gateway to a whole new world of cinema for her. “I think it was the first Studio Ghibli film I watched, and my mind was blown. I was then very hungry to watch all the Studio Ghibli films all at once. It started a rampage.”
From Cult Hits to High-Profile Productions
Another of her selections is Todd Haynes's 1995 movie Safe. The movie, which stars Julianne Moore as a suburban housewife whose life unravels after she develops a mysterious illness, was not a commercial success upon its release. However, its exploration of environmental illness and existential dread has earned it a dedicated following and a reputation as a cult classic that was far ahead of it's time.
Looking ahead, the actress is also part of an exciting new project from director Tom Ford, his first since 2016's Nocturnal Animals. Titled Cry to Heaven and slated for a 2026 release, the production boasts a star-studded lineup including Nicholas Hoult, Colin Firth, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The story is set in 18th-century Italy and follows a young nobleman who is castrated to preserve his beautiful singing voice, eventually becoming a famous opera star.
To recap, Schafer's essential viewing list includes: Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (2001) and Ponyo (2008), Jennie Livingston's Paris is Burning (1990), Masaaki Yuasa's Mind Game (2004), Todd Haynes's Safe (1995), and Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight (2008).