Josh Hartnett Stars as Serial Killer Father in M. Night Shyamalan's 'Trap'

Josh Hartnett is making a remarkable comeback with his role as a potential serial killer father in M. Night Shyamalan's upcoming horror thriller 'Trap'. The film's trailer has generated enthusiasm among fans, revealing a twist in Hartnett's character at a concert attended with his daughter.

In the film, Hartnett portrays Cooper, a father who takes his teenage daughter Riley to a concert by pop star Lady Raven. However, the trailer reveals that the entire event has been set up as a ploy by authorities to catch a notorious serial killer known as 'The Butcher' - who turns out to be Cooper himself, unbeknownst to his daughter. The trailer shows Cooper checking a security camera feed on his phone, suggesting he is holding a victim hostage in his basement.

Shyamalan, known for his signature twist endings, has described 'Trap' as having a 'dark humor angle' similar to his previous works like 'Servant', 'The Visit', and 'Split'. The director praised Hartnett's performance, saying he was the "right person at the right time" for the role and that the film explores the narrative from an "unexpected person's vantage point."

Why this matters: 'Trap' marks Hartnett's full-fledged return to starring roles after maintaining a relatively low profile in Hollywood in recent years. His resurgence is being compared to the 'Brendan Fraser Effect', where the actor has found a role that could potentially take him back to the top of Hollywood.

The film is produced by Shyamalan, Marc Bienstock, and Ashwin Rajan, and also stars Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan (Shyamalan's daughter), Hayley Mills, and Allison Pill. 'Trap' is set to release in cinemas on August 9, 2024, and fans are eagerly anticipating the turns Shyamalan has in store. The trailer has already generated buzz, perfectly summarizing the plot without giving away all of the film's surprises.

Key Takeaways

• Josh Hartnett stars as a potential serial killer father in M. Night Shyamalan's 'Trap'.
• Hartnett's character is revealed to be 'The Butcher', a notorious serial killer, in the film.
• Shyamalan praised Hartnett's performance, calling him the "right person at the right time".
• 'Trap' marks Hartnett's return to starring roles, compared to the 'Brendan Fraser Effect'.
• 'Trap' is set to release in cinemas on August 9, 2024, with high anticipation for Shyamalan's twists.