Josh Hartnett has captured widespread attention with his return to action in the newly released film, Fight or Flight, which premiered across the United States on May 9. The performance marks a major moment for Hartnett, whose career has recently seen a resurgence, following his roles in celebrated projects like Oppenheimer and Trap. Directed by James Madigan, Fight or Flight delivers a high-stakes, John Wick-style thriller set aboard a commercial airplane, drawing both critical and audience acclaim as it secures a notable 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stepping into the role of exiled spy Lucas Reyes, Josh Hartnett leads a star-studded cast that features Charithra Chandran, Katee Sackhoff, and Marko Zaror. The film’s intense storyline follows Reyes as he searches for a mysterious asset known as The Ghost while surrounded by dangerous assassins at 37,000 feet. As Reyes and The Ghost are forced to cooperate in a battle for survival, the movie’s tension and unpredictable pacing have quickly set it apart within the action genre.
For Hartnett, the opportunity to fully commit to the demanding physical aspects of the film was a significant motivator. Reflecting on his experience, Hartnett shared,
“Really the tone of it was the most important thing to us. Like, I always wanted to do something where I did my own stunts. I’ve been able to do one other time in my career. It was a movie called Boon Raku. I was 29 years old, and when they asked me to do this, and the conceit of it is that the actor does his own stunts. I’m 44-45 at the time. I was like, this is going to be different.”
Hartnett’s willingness to perform his own stunts highlights his dedication, especially as the demands and dangers of such actions often increase with age and experience.
Fight or Flight distinguishes itself not just through its action sequences but with a deliberately unconventional tone. According to Hartnett, the team aimed for a blend of humor, jeopardy, and unpredictability, creating a unique protagonist. He explained,
“We knew that really, if we had to make the audience laugh and make the audience feel something. Put the character in enough jeopardy that you weren’t sure if he was going to succeed. Maybe even make the character so bizarre that he didn’t know if you wanted him to succeed. That was the main goal. And so, the action became, as far as the prep goes, secondary. But that allowed me to kind of enjoy the action more and not put so much pressure on it.”
Director James Madigan and writers Brooks McLaren and D. J. Cotrona have intentionally shifted away from traditional action formulas, opting for a film that combines dynamic set pieces with quirky character development and suspenseful storytelling. This approach provides Josh Hartnett with an arena to showcase both his physical and emotional range, mixing moments of intensity with unexpected humor.
The success of Fight or Flight marks a new chapter for Josh Hartnett, further cementing his return to leading roles. The film’s blend of high-altitude danger, eccentric character choices, and celebrated performances has introduced Hartnett to a new generation of action movie fans, while longtime followers witness his evolution as an action hero. As audiences and critics continue to respond enthusiastically, speculation grows about Hartnett’s next move, with many wondering whether his renewed energy will carry into further unconventional action roles. With Fight or Flight setting the tone for this phase of his career, Josh Hartnett’s action comeback stands as one of the year’s most notable developments in film, hinting at more turbulent, unpredictable adventures ahead.
