Trap Star Josh Hartnett Shares Scary Stalking Story

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Griff Griffin | Last updated Jul 29, 2024 2:14 PM ET

Josh Hartnett has revealed a series of terrifying run-ins with stalkers.

The actor, who stars in M Night Shyamalan’s upcoming psychological thriller, Trap, tells the Guardian he was stalked by several people during the height of his Hollywood fame, including one person who was jailed for the offense.

“People’s attention to me at the time was borderline unhealthy,” says Hartnett. “There were incidents. People showed up at my house. People that were stalking me. A guy showed up at one of my premieres with a gun, claiming to be my father. He ended up in prison.”

Warner Bros. Pictures

This led to Hartnett taking time away from Hollywood, and from a run of films that included The Faculty, Pearl Harbour, Black Hawk Down, and 40 Days of Night. “There were lots of things. It was a weird time. And I wasn’t going to be grist for the mill.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Hartnett revealed he turned down the role of Superman twice, which ended up going to Brandan Routh in Superman Returns . According to the actor, he also met up with director Christopher Nolan about possibly starring as Batman in Batman Begins. Hartnett eventually ended up working with him in Oppenheimer.

“I recognise the missed opportunity to work with a guy like Chris. And I’ve figured out that as much as you’re worried about curating your career to things you’re interested in, I don’t believe that’s the most important thing any more. It’s about finding people who you really trust.”

M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap gets new trailer ahead of release.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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