Josh Hartnett recently shared his admiration for Taylor Swift, drawing a parallel between his real-life experience and his character in the hit series “The Bear.” In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Hartnett, 45, discussed his role in the FX dramedy and how attending Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert in London with his daughters was a memorable and full-circle moment.
Hartnett’s character, Frank, in “The Bear” is depicted as a devoted Swiftie, a trait that resonates with Hartnett’s personal life. Gillian Jacobs, who plays his on-screen fiancée Tiffany, humorously suggested that Frank would have a “stockpile of Taylor Swift friendship bracelets.” Hartnett agreed, sharing his own story about attending the concert. “Oh, sure. Of course, you’d have the friendship bracelets, especially since they got those concert tickets last season. Funnily enough, I went to the Eras Tour with my daughters recently, and it was wild,” Hartnett detailed, calling it a “good event for my daughters’ first concert.”
The actor described the concert as an extraordinary experience, noting the overwhelming energy of the crowd. “I’ve never experienced anything like it: 90,000 people at Wembley Stadium losing their minds, including my two daughters. And people were so respectful, my daughters were given so many bracelets, and everything was really sweet,” he added. Hartnett, who shares four children with his wife Tamsin Egerton, emphasized the significance of the event for his family.
Hartnett’s connection to Taylor Swift’s music extends beyond his personal life. The plot of his upcoming film, “Trap,” is partially inspired by Swift’s record-breaking worldwide tour. The movie follows a father, played by Hartnett, who takes his daughter to see a pop star, only to discover that the event is a trap set by the police to catch a serial killer. Director M. Night Shyamalan described the film as “What if The Silence of the Lambs happened at a Taylor Swift concert?” The film, set to release on August 2, promises to be a thrilling ride for audiences.
In “The Bear,” Hartnett’s character Frank is introduced as the considerate and affable fiancé to Tiffany, played by Gillian Jacobs. The casting of Hartnett in this role was a strategic decision by series creator Chris Storer, who had known Hartnett for years through mutual friends in the New York and Los Angeles food scenes. Hartnett recalled his initial conversation with Storer, where they discussed a potential role in Storer’s first film. “I remember him mentioning that he was trying to make this other film about chefs, because his sister [The Bear producer Courtney Storer] was a chef, and then years went by and I started hearing all this hype about The Bear,” Hartnett explained. “It sounded really familiar, so I checked it out and saw Chris’ name and was amazed. I called him immediately to say congratulations and tell him the show was incredible.”
Hartnett’s portrayal of Frank in “The Bear” has been well-received by fans, who appreciate the character’s warmth and sincerity. The actor shared his excitement about joining the beloved series and the Easter eggs he worked into the episode. “It was organic, but not that organic,” Hartnett joked about how his conversation with Storer turned into a job offer.
Reflecting on his experience working on “The Bear,” Hartnett expressed his admiration for the show’s detailed set and the depth of the characters. He praised the show’s ability to capture the complexities of relationships and the emotional struggles of its characters. “I love that Tiffany is demanding that her ex-husband come to her wedding. That feels very real for the world of The Bear and those dynamics that she’s like, I don’t care if you want to come or not, I need you there,” Hartnett said. He also highlighted the scene where his character Frank interacts with Richie, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, describing it as a moment that reveals much about both characters.
Hartnett’s appreciation for Taylor Swift’s music and his role in “The Bear” reflect his ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels. His genuine enthusiasm for Swift’s concert and his thoughtful portrayal of Frank in the series demonstrate his versatility as an actor and his commitment to bringing authenticity to his roles.
As Hartnett continues to balance his career and family life, his recent experiences highlight the importance of finding joy in both personal and professional endeavors. His attendance at the Eras Tour concert with his daughters and his role in “The Bear” serve as reminders of the power of music and storytelling to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Empire, Gold Derby
