Josh Hartnett Discusses Exciting New Acting Roles in His 40s: 'It's Like a Dream'

Josh Hartnett is currently enjoying a remarkable phase in his career. After a standout performance in the Best Picture-winning Oppenheimer last year, he now takes on the lead role in M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller, Trap. In addition, he managed to feature in a standout episode of the latest season of Black Mirror and made an appearance in the newest season of a critically acclaimed series. Over the past two years, Hartnett has showcased his versatility by portraying a quantum physicist, a serial killer dad, and a depressed astronaut—a notable evolution for an actor who began his career as a teenage heartthrob.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hartnett shared that this variety of roles is precisely what he has always sought in his career. He explains, “As an actor, I’ve always wanted to shift the trajectory and surprise audiences. This has been my goal since I started 26 years ago, but back then, such opportunities weren’t available to me, nor was I likely skilled enough. I was just too young.”

Hartnett adds that with age, he has gained the recognition needed to take on these diverse roles. “I’m incredibly fortunate to be working with top-tier directors. Actors are only as good as the directors they work with, and being able to collaborate with such talented filmmakers while playing varied characters is a dream come true.”

One key example of this change in Hartnett's career is his role in Trap. He has long admired Shyamalan’s work, having wanted to collaborate with him since seeing The Sixth Sense. The opportunity finally came around, and Hartnett was thrilled to take it. “I’ve wanted to work with Shyamalan since I met him at the premiere of The Village. I even have a photo from that meeting,” Hartnett recalls.

In Trap, Hartnett plays Cooper, a seemingly ordinary father who takes his daughter to a concert but is later revealed to be a sadistic serial killer known as “The Butcher.” The role demands Hartnett to convincingly portray both a loving father and a ruthless murderer.

Hartnett describes the experience of working with Shyamalan as one of the best on-set situations he has had. “Shyamalan creates a warm, open environment on set, allowing for creative freedom. I wanted to craft a complex and unique character, and he was fully supportive,” Hartnett explains.

Shyamalan, for his part, enjoyed seeing Hartnett tackle this challenging role. “Making Trap was joyful and fun, with remarkable performances from Josh, Saleka, Allison Pill, and Ari. We aimed to create something truly unique,” Shyamalan says.

Trap hits theaters this weekend, showcasing Hartnett’s latest evolution as an actor.