Actor Josh Hartnett is relishing the challenge of inhabited two diametrically opposed characters in director M. Night Shyamalan’s unnerving new psychological thriller “Trap.” In the film, Hartnett immerses himself in the role of Cooper, a devoted father on the surface who harbors a chilling secret – he is also the elusive serial killer known only as “The Butcher.”
To fully realize Cooper’s disturbing dual nature, Hartnett underwent an intense preparation process. “Taking on such a complex, dichotomous role required me to understand both sides of this man intimately,” Hartnett tells Entertainment Weekly. Methodical in his approach, the actor purposefully avoided any media portrayals of real-life serial killers. “I didn’t want any external influences coloring my interpretation. I wanted to explore Cooper’s psyche from the inside out and uncover what drives such violence simmering beneath a friendly facade,” he says.
Hartnett’s willingness to unflinchingly examine darkness is a through-line in his two-decade career traversing indie dramas and big-budget thrillers. After breaking out in cult hits like “The Faculty” and “The Virgin Suicides” in the late 90s, Hartnett’s smoldering good looks earned him heartthrob status with audiences. However, he soon sought roles showcasing his profound acting chops rather than just looks, starring in films like “Henry Fool” and “40 Days and 40 Nights” displaying his willingness to take risks.
After over a decade in the industry spotlight, Hartnett made the deliberate choice to take a step back from the limelight. Relocating abroad to the UK with his wife and family, the actor has found a work-life balance. “Living outside of Los Angeles has given me stability and invaluable family time that I wouldn’t trade for any role,” Hartnett tells EW. While continuing to appear in both indies and large studio films such as recent blockbuster “Oppenheimer,” Hartnett’s meandering career path exploring challenging roles remains compelling for fans and the industry.
In “Trap,” Hartnett plunges deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. Fans are anxious to see if he will continue unearthing new layers of complexity in future projects.
