Josh Hartnett on Turning Down Superhero Roles and His Hollywood Journey

In an interview with The Guardian, Josh Hartnett shared some intriguing insights into his career choices, including why he passed up the chance to play two of the most iconic superhero roles—Superman and Batman. The actor, who gained fame in the early 2000s, revealed that he decided to step away from Hollywood and avoid high-profile projects due to the overwhelming attention he received at the time.

"People’s attention to me was borderline unhealthy," Hartnett said, recounting instances of stalkers showing up at his house. He felt that the intense scrutiny could have swallowed up his life entirely, something he was keen to avoid.

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Hartnett also spoke about his missed opportunity to work with renowned director Christopher Nolan early in his career. The two had discussed a potential Batman role, but it wasn't until many years later that they finally collaborated on the film 'Oppenheimer,' in which Hartnett portrayed Ernest Lawrence.

Reflecting on his career choices, Hartnett expressed some regret about not seizing the chance to work with Nolan sooner. He noted that his priorities have shifted, stating, "I don’t believe that’s the most important thing anymore. It’s about finding people who you really trust."

Currently, Hartnett is gearing up for his role as serial killer Cooper in M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming psychological thriller 'Trap.' The film, set for release on August 2, 2024, follows Cooper as he and his teenage daughter attend a pop concert, only to find themselves embroiled in a dark and sinister event. The cast also includes Hayley Mills, Ariel Donoghue, Vanessa Smythe, and Kid Cudi.