Josh Hartnett wishes you watched his 2006 movie
In the world of television drama, few series spark as much conversation as the Canadian giant squid saga on Netflix, starring Josh Hartnett. While critics are rightly applauding the show’s stunning cinematography, intricate world-building, and claustrophobic atmosphere, the audience reaction has been a bit more divided.
Some viewers were absolutely captivated by the setting, finding the premise of a North American coastal town like Widow’s Bay instantly compelling. However, others remained unconvinced by the execution, dismissing the whole package—including the wonky CGI and the delightfully absurd notion of people smoking pipes while declaring that “ere be monsters”—as complete nonsense.
Despite this split in opinion, Hartnett has navigated the waters successfully. He has settled into a role that perfectly embodies the archetype of the hunky older guy who has seen plenty of stuff but prefers to keep it to himself, a character type that his agents seem to have in abundance.
His star power remains undeniable, proving that while style over substance might divide the audience on a single piece of entertainment, Hartnett continues to poll exceptionally well. This is particularly true given his recent involvement in high-profile projects, such as the erotic thriller Verity, which pulled in nearly $200 million at the box office, and his upcoming role in the Oliver Stone drama White Lies alongside Willem Dafoe and Michael Douglas.
This current success is perhaps surprising, considering Hartnett’s place in cinema history. Not so long ago, he was considered the epitome of the faded 2000s actor, associated with iconic films like 40 Days and 40 Nights, Sin City, and the Lucky Number Slevin.
Yet, Hartnett’s career trajectory has always been anything but static. Two decades ago, he was already a sought-after talent, having landed roles in major productions, including Black Hawk Down with Ridley Scott, and the gritty thriller The Black Dahlia, a project that put him in the shoes of a detective in 1940s Los Angeles.
Although that particular film didn’t reach its full potential, Hartnett remained passionate about his craft, finding subsequent success in genre filmmaking, most notably the arctic zombie horror 30 Days of Night. This period of uncertainty eventually gave way to a remarkable comeback, fueled by successful gothic television hits like Penny Dreadful in 2014.
Today, Hartnett is firmly established as a versatile force. He has successfully transitioned from gritty cinema to mainstream acclaim, leading roles in critically acclaimed productions like Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and M Night Shyamalan’s tense thriller Trap in 2024. From sprawling epics to sharp thrillers, Josh Hartnett has demonstrated that a master of character can always find a new spotlight.
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