Josh Hartnett is set to reaffirm his status as a compelling Josh Hartnett action hero in the upcoming action thriller All Day & All Night, directed by Tommy Wirkola. Following his acclaimed performance in last year’s Fight or Flight, Hartnett plays a reformed bank robber drawn back into crime under desperate circumstances. This new project, slated to begin production next year, builds on his recent resurgence that includes significant roles in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap.
A High-Stakes Plot Blending Crime and Reality TV Chaos
“When his daughter gets into Harvard, reformed bank robber Billy Davies (Hartnett) returns to a life of crime to come up with the tuition money. But when the bank heist goes horribly wrong, he and his crew accidentally stumble onto the set of a failing reality TV show. Now Billy must stay on air long enough to figure out an escape plan from the cops trying to arrest him and the mob trying to kill him, while the producers must keep the show on air long enough to boost their ratings and evade cancellation.”
— Official Synopsis
The story centers on Billy Davies, played by Hartnett, who is compelled to commit another robbery after his daughter secures a spot at Harvard University. When the heist spirals out of control, the situation becomes even more complicated as Davies and his team unexpectedly find themselves trapped on a reality TV set. The tension mounts as he juggles evading the police and mob threats while on live television, highlighting a unique combination of crime thriller and media satire under Wirkola’s direction.
Established Collaborations and Growing Momentum in Hartnett’s Career
Hartnett’s return to Hollywood saw him pivot from a hiatus in the mid-2000s to standout performances that emphasize his versatility. In 2023, he garnered attention for his role alongside Jason Statham in Guy Ritchie’s action-comedy Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. His portrayal of a disgraced special agent in Fight or Flight has earned accolades as one of the year’s most visually thrilling and intense action films, even if initially overlooked during its theatrical release.
With Fight or Flight performing strongly on streaming platforms like Paramount+, Hartnett’s commitment to action roles that combine grit and emotional depth is becoming more apparent. This project’s reception has fueled anticipation for All Day & All Night, where Hartnett will again lean into the intensity and physicality that define an action hero. Director Tommy Wirkola’s experience with dark, violent action films such as Violent Night and Dead Snow aligns well with Hartnett’s current trajectory.
Upcoming Projects and Future Directions for Hartnett and Wirkola
Alongside All Day & All Night, Josh Hartnett is slated to star in the romantic thriller adaptation Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. This continued busy slate reveals his intention to diversify while maintaining a solid hold on action-packed narratives. Meanwhile, Wirkola is finishing work on Violent Night 2, a Christmas-themed action film led by David Harbour, set for release in December 2026, enhancing his reputation for blending intense action with unexpected genre twists.
A Growing Legacy in Action Entertainment
Josh Hartnett’s steady rise as a modern action hero intersects with a creative partnership that leverages his intensity and appeal. As audiences respond to his ability to carry complex, physical roles, projects like All Day & All Night are likely to cement his place in the genre. This film’s mix of high-stakes crime and chaotic television setting provides a fresh backdrop for Hartnett to showcase his skills and expand his fanbase among action enthusiasts. Given the momentum, his future projects promise a continued contribution to Hollywood’s evolving action film landscape.
