Josh Hartnett, known for his work in 1990s and early 2000s Hollywood, is returning to the spotlight with his role in the upcoming erotic thriller "Verity," which is set to hit theaters on October 2. The film is adapted from Colleen Hoover’s 2018 bestselling novel and explores dark themes of grief, betrayal, and hidden secrets.

In "Verity," Hartnett portrays Jeremy Crawford, the husband of bestselling novelist Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway. The story follows Lowen Ashleigh, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, a struggling writer hired to ghostwrite for the incapacitated Verity after a tragic accident leaves her paralyzed and unable to communicate. Lowen moves into the Crawfords’ home to review Verity’s notes but soon uncovers unsettling truths about Verity’s past and the mysterious death of their daughter Harper.

Hartnett, 48, who is also a father of four with actress Tamsin Egerton, acknowledged the emotional challenges of inhabiting Jeremy’s grief-stricken character. Despite the intense subject matter, he emphasized the need to separate the role from his personal life, particularly when returning home to his family. “You can’t bring it with you,” he noted, explaining how he drew on internal emotions while maintaining professional boundaries.

The film’s director, Michael Showalter, praised Hartnett’s ability to convey vulnerability alongside his striking appearance. Showalter highlighted the actor’s capacity to channel “dark, dark stuff” authentically while grounding the character in humanity.

Hartnett’s career has evolved over the years from early roles in action and wartime films like "Pearl Harbor" and "Black Hawk Down," to more complex and varied characters in films such as "Lucky Number Slevin" and Sofia Coppola’s "The Virgin Suicides." He expressed a preference for roles that challenge audience expectations rather than straightforward heroic personas.

In recent years, Hartnett has experienced a resurgence with notable appearances including Christopher Nolan’s Academy Award-winning "Oppenheimer" and the forthcoming Netflix series "Below," set to premiere on October 8. He also starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s 2024 thriller "Trap," playing a suburban father turned serial killer. Hartnett remarked on the film’s depth and the surprising cultural impact of his character, noting the popularity of Halloween costumes inspired by the role.

Off-screen, Hartnett resides with his family on a farm in the United Kingdom, where Halloween traditions play a central role. Though they live in a remote area with few trick-or-treaters, he takes his children to a nearby town to experience the holiday, sharing nostalgic memories of his own childhood. The family celebrates with classic horror films and costumes for their pets, including dogs, chickens, and guinea pigs, while humorously excluding their goats from festive attire.

With "Verity" and several other projects on the horizon, Hartnett continues to balance fatherhood, diverse acting roles, and a steady presence in the entertainment industry.