Josh Hartnett Tells ‘Playboy’ He Regrets Not Playing Batman


Josh Hartnett is known as a heart-throb. During an interview with Playboy, he answered questions about his past. It seems that one major regret was not taking on Batman.

While Josh was younger, he made a few bad decisions. Many entertainers end up doing similarly. Like Hartnett, when you’re not used to fame, it can be a bit much when it comes all-at-once. At least, this is what Josh told Playboy during a recent interview.

“The intensity of my sudden fame was overwhelming for me… If I could go back and take with me my wisdom of today, I wish I’d been more resilient. I hope I wouldn’t be as panicked as I was. Maybe I’d have known that no matter what people try to take from you, you don’t have to give it to them. I’ve definitely grown a bit.”

Amid the bad decisions, Hartnett has watched a lot of major roles pass him to other actors. In hindsight, Josh’s movie experiences have given him knowledge to pass to upcoming actors, who are willing to listen.

Josh Hartnett Regrets Not Taking Batman Role II
Credits: Michael Buckner | Getty Images Entertainment

In Hartnett’s interview, he talks about the superhero roles he rejected. Josh mentions that it’s difficult to say “no” to movie roles because, then, those directors don’t like to work with you on future scripts.

“I’ve definitely said no to some of the wrong people. I said no because I was tired and wanted to spend more time with my friends and family. That’s frowned upon in this industry. People don’t like being told no. I don’t like it.

“I learned my lesson when Christopher Nolan and I talked about Batman. I decided it wasn’t for me. Then he didn’t want to put me in The Prestige. They not only hired their Batman for it, they also hired my girlfriend at the time.”

It’s one of those live-and-learn situations everyone has to go through on his or her own. From the interview, it appears that Hartnett not only turned down the part of Batman. He also turned down Spider-Man as well as Superman. However, as Josh mentions, he was young and had other things on his mind.

Hartnett’s movies have done well throughout his career. However, he does say that he’s sat in theaters and reflected on parts that could’ve been his. Josh quotes, “I know now that I wouldn’t turn something down just because it’s a superhero role.”

Now, playing the role of Ethan Chandler in Penny Dreadful, Hartnett focuses on future movies to come.

In hindsight, do you think Josh wishes to go back and do it all over again? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

[Photo Credits: Michael Buckner | Getty Images Entertainment]

Share this article: Josh Hartnett Tells ‘Playboy’ He Regrets Not Playing Batman
More from Inquisitr