Josh Hartnett: 'Hiatus' was for creative control

Josh Hartnett has addressed the perception of his career, asserting that his extended absence from major Hollywood blockbusters was a deliberate choice for creative control rather than a hiatus. He explained that in the early 2000s, after appearing in films like "Pearl Harbor" and "Black Hawk Down," he felt omnipresent and disconnected from his own identity.

At just 22 years old, Hartnett decided to take time off, write screenplays, and explore different kinds of filmmaking, inspired by his experience on "The Virgin Suicides." He acknowledged that this decision frustrated some industry professionals who expected a continuous stream of big movies. Hartnett also revealed he turned down opportunities to play iconic roles like Superman and Batman, prioritizing his autonomy over commercial success.