Growing up as the son of Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood, Scott Eastwood had a front-row seat to one of the most iconic film careers of all time. But when he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, he wasn’t handed a roadmap to success—just a simple yet powerful piece of advice.
At the Los Angeles premiere of his new film 1992 on August 27, Scott, now an established actor in his own right, reflected on the wisdom his father, now 94, shared with him when he first pursued acting.
“Follow your gut,” Scott recalled his dad telling him—four words that would shape his approach to Hollywood.
It’s a mantra Scott has carried throughout his career, guiding him through tough decisions, including one that made headlines: turning down a Suicide Squad sequel.
Back in 2022, Scott revealed that he had been offered a multi-film deal by Warner Bros., including The Suicide Squad. However, he hesitated when the studio wasn’t willing to offer what he felt was fair compensation. Unsure whether to sign on, he turned to his father for advice.
“They don’t want to pay me,” Scott told Clint.
The four-time Academy Award winner’s response was as straightforward as it was wise: “If it feels like they really need you and if it’s a good part, then do it. If not, then don’t.”
With no clear vision for the future films and mounting studio pressure, Scott made his decision—he walked away.
Though he shares his father’s passion for storytelling, Scott has always known that success in Hollywood isn’t guaranteed. In a 2016 interview with Esquire, he credited Clint’s tough love for instilling a strong work ethic in him.
“My father’s definitely old-school. He raised me with integrity—to be places on time, show up, and work hard,” Scott shared.
Now, as he continues to carve his own path, Scott has hinted that his future might not just be in front of the camera. Inspired by Clint’s legendary career as a director, he’s considering a move behind the scenes.
“Like he says, it’s feast or famine for an actor. If you’re not creating your own material, then you’re just fighting for whatever’s out there,” Scott explained. “I definitely have the desire to go to the other side.”
While only time will tell if he follows in his father’s directing footsteps, one thing is certain—Scott Eastwood is making his own way in Hollywood, one gut decision at a time.
