The Return of a Powerhouse: Josh Hartnett Takes Over Toronto
If you’ve been following the buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), you couldn’t miss him. Josh Hartnett has become the center of attention, not just as a nostalgic face from the early 2000s, but as a seasoned actor entering a sophisticated new chapter of his career.
Hartnett has been dominating the city’s landscape, from high-profile premieres to mobile pop-up promotions for Verity, his upcoming erotic thriller co-starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson. However, the real talk of the town is his lead role in Below, a gripping Netflix Canada original series that blends supernatural horror with raw human emotion.
Not a Comeback, But a Progression
While the media loves the word “comeback,” Hartnett views his recent surge in high-profile projects—including roles in the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer and the Emmy-winning The Bear—differently. For him, this isn’t about returning to the spotlight, but about evolving within it.
Back in the height of his heartthrob era, Hartnett famously turned down iconic roles like Superman and Batman because they didn’t resonate with his artistic interests. Today, he feels he has the freedom to choose complex characters and collaborate with visionary directors.
“I would say that I’m working in different genres with different fantastic directors, and being able to choose more interesting characters to play than I’ve ever been able to before,” Hartnett shared.
Diving Into ‘Below’: Monsters and Metaphors in Newfoundland
Set against the rugged and atmospheric backdrop of Newfoundland, Below introduces us to Calvin Penney, a widower and ice-harvesting bayman. The story follows a tense family reunion during a “Come Home Year” celebration, which quickly turns into a fight for survival when a mysterious sea monster begins terrorizing the coast.
But beneath the creature-feature surface, the series serves as a poignant parable. Created by Canadian writer Jesse McKeown, the show explores:
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- The History of Resettlement: A look at the displaced communities of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Cultural Preservation: A study on how distinct local identities survive in a hyper-homogenized global society.
- Family Dynamics: The struggle of three adult children attempting to reconnect with their father.
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The Grit Behind the Glamour: On-Set Challenges
Hartnett didn’t just act the part; he immersed himself in the Newfoundland way of life. From taking crash courses in local history to learning how to tie nautical knots and cast nets, his dedication was evident. He even worked tirelessly on the specific regional accent, noting that true acting requires hard work rather than “easy” shortcuts.
The production wasn’t without its perils. Hartnett survived two significant injuries during the shoot:
- A Police Collision: An unfortunate accident where an RNC patrol vehicle ran a red light and hit his SUV. Thanks to modern airbag technology, he escaped with only a bruise.
- A Broken Nose: A more private injury occurred on a boat scene, resulting in a concussion and a broken nose—though he jokingly assures fans that it “broke straight.”
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A Love Letter to the ‘Rock’
Beyond the monsters and the mishaps, Hartnett left the production with a deep appreciation for the people of Newfoundland. He praised the welcoming nature of the locals and the immense talent of co-stars like Willow Kean and Joel Thomas Hynes, noting their dual success as actors and novelists.
Whether he’s fighting sea monsters or navigating the complexities of fatherhood (as he spends eight months a year with his four children), Josh Hartnett is proving that his most interesting era is happening right now.
Mark your calendars: Below debuts on Netflix on October 8th. For more updates on the festival’s highlights, visit the Official TIFF Website.
