Hartnett's Dark Turn: From Heartthrob to 'Verity' Villain?

Josh Hartnett, known for his '90s heartthrob status, is exploring darker roles, including his part in the upcoming adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, 'Verity.' He confessed to not being familiar with Hoover's work initially, as he didn't see himself as the target audience. However, upon reading the script, he found it to be "a really elevated piece of material" and wanted to be involved.

In 'Verity,' Hartnett plays Jeremy, a husband grappling with grief and betrayal as his wife, a famous novelist, becomes incapacitated. Director Michael Showalter noted Hartnett's ability to convey vulnerability and access dark emotions from a human place. Hartnett himself shies away from extreme Method acting, preferring to draw from personal experiences without imposing on others.

Hartnett has consciously shifted his career focus from chasing money or fame to selecting compelling and challenging characters, often those unlike himself. This approach has led to a recent career resurgence, including roles in 'Oppenheimer' and the upcoming Netflix show 'Below,' as well as M. Night Shyamalan's thriller 'Trap.'

The actor also shared insights into his family life and Halloween traditions. He balances his demanding roles with his four children, ages 2 to 10. His family resides on a farm in the UK, where they enjoy watching classic horror films like 'Jaws' and 'The Shining.' While trick-or-treating is limited due to their remote location, they participate in a nearby town and plan festive activities for their pets, though he noted the goats likely wouldn't tolerate costumes.