Summary

Josh Hartnett’s first horror role should be revisited after his performance in the 2024 filmTrap. In the M. Night Shyamalan film,Hartnett plays Cooper Adams, a serial killer who is stuck in a maximum-security concert venue.Alongside other familiar faces, Hartnett leads thecast ofTrap, with the film focusing mainly on the psyche of a trapped killer.Reviews ofTrappraise Hartnett’s performance, despite the occasionally muddied storytelling.

Before his work inTrap, Hartnett had a long history of acting in horror and thriller films and the occasional drama. His acting career began in his late teens, when many considered him a heartthrob.With over 30 film roles, Hartnett’s career is iconic.After taking a short break from acting,Hartnett returned to cinemas in 2023with a significant role inOppenheimer. But before this successful acting career, Hartnett’s first role was in another horror movie from 26 years ago.

Blended image of Josh Hartnett in three movies

1998

2006

Josh Hartnett in Trap as Cooper aka The Butcher looking around at a concert

30 Days of Night

2007

halloween h20 poster

2014-2016

2024

Josh Hartnett’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked

Josh Hartnett has had a lengthy career in Hollywood despite taking a hiatus from acting. But he’s officially back, and these are his best movies.

Josh Hartnett Played John Tate In Halloween H20: 20 Years Later

Hartnett Starred As Laurie Strode’s Son In The Legacy Sequel

Hartnett’s first film role was in the 1998 filmHalloween H20: 20 Years Later,as John Tate, the seventeen-year-old son of infamous final girl Laurie Strode.Despite feeling constricted by his mother’s paranoia about Michael Myers' return, John attempts to live a normal teenage life.He plays a classic high schooler, who plans to drink beers with his friends and spend romantic time with his girlfriend. Despite being the seventh film in theHalloweenfranchise,Halloween H20is a legacy sequeland the canonical follow-up to the original sequel,Halloween II.

Because the series has introduced many timelines over its 13 total films, the otherHalloweentimelines abandoned John, among other characters. Hartnett’sJohn was initially planned to return in another movie, but the low ratings of the many additions to the franchise slowed production and ruined specific sequel plans. This change is unfortunate because, although he had his outbursts, Hartnett’s John is sympathetic towards his mother and a likable and heroic teen.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Lateris available to stream on PlutoTV

How Josh Hartnett’s Halloween Role Is Different From Trap

Hartnett’s Characters Have Differing Levels of Innocence

A significant difference between John and Cooper is their innocence. InHalloween H20, John is driven by his desire to be an average teen without knowing much about the real world or the dangers of Michael Myers. InTrap, Cooper is hyper-aware and calculating regarding his surroundings. In both films,Hartnett is undeniably charming, though only inTrapdoes he use it for nefarious purposes. Now the villain instead of the victim, thisnew horror movie brings Hartnett’s career full circle. Fans of Hartnett’sTrapperformance should watchHalloween H20: 20 Years Laterto see where his career began.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later

Cast

Halloween: H20 is the seventh installment in the iconic horror franchise. H20 establishes a new timeline in the Halloween franchise, picking up after Halloween II and following Laurie Strode as she hides from her brother, Michael Myers. Having faked her death and working as a teacher in California, she and her son are brought back into danger when Myers finds her and slays his way through those around her.