The Foot Fetish Joke: Maya Hawke Reveals Uma Thurman’s Advice for Working with Quentin Tarantino

Actress Maya Hawke has offered a humorous and revealing look into her relationship with her mother, iconic actress Uma Thurman, and the unique advice she received before working with director Quentin Tarantino on the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Thurman, who is Tarantino’s long-time muse and star of his classics like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, shared a perfect, playful tip for navigating the director’s set—a tip that directly addresses a notorious, long-running rumor in film circles. When asked what advice her mother gave her, Hawke simply responded, “Keep your shoes on.” The candid reply, which caught interviewers off guard, is a witty nod to the persistent speculation about the acclaimed filmmaker’s supposed foot fetish, often fueled by scenes like the famous “wiggle your big toe” sequence in Kill Bill.

A Mother’s Witty Warning: The Shoes-On Rule

Maya Hawke’s most memorable piece of advice from her mother regarding Quentin Tarantino was a sharp, funny reference to the director’s rumored fixation.

Appearing in an interview, Hawke was asked what guidance Uma Thurman—the star of Tarantino’s most revered films—offered her before she stepped onto the set of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Hawke’s immediate and playful response was, “Keep your shoes on.” This lighthearted but direct joke immediately referenced the widely circulated theory that Tarantino has a foot fetish, a belief that has been bolstered by the numerous close-up shots of female feet featured across his filmography. The reaction of the interviewer highlighted the unexpected brilliance of the advice, calling it “Perfect.” The quip serves as a testament to the close, honest relationship between mother and daughter.

The Full-Circle Moment: Following the Muse’s Footsteps

Working with Quentin Tarantino on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood created a unique, full-circle moment for Hawke, who grew up steeped in the director’s world due to his close collaboration with her mother.

Hawke, the daughter of Thurman and actor Ethan Hawke, had a role as “Flowerchild,” a member of the Manson Family cult, in the 2019 film. For the young actress, the opportunity was momentous, giving her a chance to become part of the film canon—like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill—that made her mother a household name. Hawke previously stated that she grew up around Tarantino and his movies, which meant a lot to the “story of my family.” Being able to “add my own little piece to the puzzle” and “relate to her and experience some of what she experienced” was, for Hawke, a wonderful experience that connected her to her mother’s unique legacy.

Working with Tarantino: Enthusiasm and Excitement

Despite the humorous warning, Hawke has expressed deep admiration for Tarantino’s filmmaking style, citing his passion as an intoxicating force on set.

When speaking about the professional experience of being directed by Tarantino, Hawke was highly complimentary. She described him as a “brilliant and enthusiastic filmmaker” whose passion for movies “radiates through you.” Hawke noted that the director is supportive and enthusiastic about making the best possible movie, and his notes and ideas are delivered with a thrilling, intoxicating excitement. She described the energy on set as thrilling, and stated that there are “very few people who love movies as much as he does,” creating an infectious environment for the cast and crew.

The Thurman-Tarantino Legacy: A Complex History

The playful advice from Uma Thurman is a notable counterpoint to the more serious, complex history between the actress and the director, a relationship characterized by both creative highs and personal setbacks.

Thurman and Tarantino’s working relationship produced some of cinema’s most indelible characters, yet their personal and professional history was fraught with tension. A famous and dangerous car crash during the filming of Kill Bill—a stunt Thurman was pressured into performing despite her concerns—led to significant injuries and a years-long rift where “trust was broken.” Tarantino later called the incident the “biggest regret of my life” and publicly apologized. Despite the challenges, Thurman has stated that while they have had their “fights over the years,” she does not reduce the “type of history and legacy” they share, acknowledging that she is still professionally bound to the man who helped turn her into a screen legend.

Addressing Nepotism: The “Nepo Baby” Debate

Hawke has openly and frankly addressed the role that nepotism played in her career, including her casting in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, demonstrating a level-headed perspective on the “nepo baby” discourse.

While Hawke initially stated that she auditioned for the film, she has since clarified that she never meant to imply that she didn’t get the role for “nepotistic reasons—I think I totally did.” She acknowledged that Tarantino deliberately cast the children of famous actors, including herself and Margaret Qualley (Andie MacDowell’s daughter), as a way of commenting on Hollywood’s history. Hawke maintains a pragmatic view on the issue, stating that while she is “comfortable with not deserving it and doing it anyway,” she knows that her “not doing it wouldn’t help anyone.” Her acknowledgment of the privilege she holds has been praised by many as a refreshing level of honesty within the industry.