Josh Hartnett Incredibly Rejected the Superman Role Twice

The role of Superman is undeniably one of the most coveted in the superhero genre. For fans and actors alike, it’s a dream part, offering a lot to take in and enjoy. However, Hollywood often sees actors misjudging the potential of certain roles. Take Sean Connery, for instance, who famously turned down the role of Gandalf due to a lack of understanding.

Recently, we reported that renowned British actor Jude Law had once declined the opportunity to play Superman. Now, we have another intriguing tale: Josh Hartnett, a notable actor, also turned down the Superman role—twice!

The actor in question is Josh Hartnett, a former global star who chose to step back from the blinding lights of Hollywood to protect his mental and physical health. He is now enjoying a happy and peaceful life while successfully reviving his career.

Around 20 years ago, Josh Hartnett was a rising star and one of Hollywood’s most promising talents. He began his career with Robert Rodriguez’s “The Faculty” in 1998, followed by Sofia Coppola’s “The Virgin Suicides” a year later. These roles established him as a notable name, leading to bigger opportunities like “40 Days and 40 Nights,” where his character abstains from sex for Lent, and “Black Hawk Down,” a film that fell short of its potential. He also starred in the unsuccessful drama “Pearl Harbor.”

Eventually, Josh Hartnett decided to step back. Although his official hiatus lasted only 18 months, he opted for smaller and indie roles to maintain his passion for acting while preserving his peace and health. Among these films are “Mozart and the Whale” (2005), a love story about two people with Asperger’s Syndrome; “Resurrecting the Champ” (2007), a tale of a journalist who discovers a former heavyweight boxer living on the streets; and “The Black Dahlia” (2006), a James Ellroy adaptation that didn’t quite meet expectations.

Recently, Josh Hartnett has become increasingly visible, appearing in films like Guy Ritchie’s action comedy “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre,” the standout “Black Mirror” episode “Beyond the Sea,” and, notably, “Oppenheimer.” His next project is Shyamalan’s “Trap.” In an interview with The Guardian, Hartnett expressed contentment with his current life, stating that he never aspired to be a major star. He also revealed that he turned down the role of Superman twice, explaining his decision to avoid the spotlight and such high-profile roles with these words:

“I just didn’t want my life to be swallowed up by my work. And there was a notion at that time you just kind of give it all up. And you saw what happened to some people back then. They got obliterated by it. I didn’t want that for myself.”

Source: The Guardian

Would you have preferred Josh Hartnett as Superman, or do you think it was best that he turned down the role? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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