Josh Hartnett is currently making waves around the internet for his masterful performance in M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap. Hartnett has received much acclaim for his portrayal of a secretive serial killer. While addressing the press recently, Josh Hartnett talked about the opportunities he received to play Superman. He also revealed that he ultimately decided to pass on the role on two separate occasions.
Josh Hartnett said no to playing Superman twice
Hartnett recently disclosed that he has turned down two separate chances to portray Superman on the big screen.
The Trap actor mentioned this while talking to The Guardian, but shied away from expanding further. However, it has been previously reported that Josh Hartnett turned down the role of Superman in Bryan Singer’s 2006 reboot. In a previous interview, the actor explained his decision to let the iconic role go. According to ComicBook.com, Hartnett stated, “I just didn’t want my life to be swallowed up by my work. And you saw what happened to some people back then. They got obliterated by it. I didn’t want that for myself.”
In a separate interview with Variety, Hartnett further explained, “I was at that time of my career, where a lot of people were asking me to do those types of movies.” Josh Hartnett also conveyed that he wasn’t interested in following the superhero path at that time.
On a different occasion, Josh Hartnett went as far as the costume testing phase for J.J. Abrams’ unrealized Superman: Flyby project. A series of actors were considered for the part, including Hartnett, who ultimately declined the offer. Matthew Bomer was eventually selected but the movie ended up getting shelved following Abrams’ exit.
Why Josh Hartnett didn’t want to play Batman
Aside from Superman, Josh Hartnett also had the opportunity to play Batman in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.
During his appearance at the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Nolan revealed that he was interested in Hartnett’s work back then, per IndieWire. He also explained that the duo had an initial meeting but the actor was more interested in taking part in The Prestige.
While talking to Playboy in 2015, Hartnett provided insight into his decision to turn down the role of the caped crusader. He clarified, “I decided it wasn’t for me. Then he didn’t want to put me in The Prestige.” Hartnett also expressed some regret over his decision, stating “I was so focused on not being pigeonholed and so scared of being considered only one thing as an actor. I should have thought ‘Well then, work harder, man.’ Watching Christian Bale go on to do so many other things has been just awesome. I mean, he’s been able to overcome that. Why couldn’t I see that at the time?”
Despite his decisions of the past, Hartnett has successfully managed to carve out a successful Hollywood career. He also ended up collaborating with Nolan for the Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer.
