The remarkable career resurgence of Josh Hartnett continues to captivate audiences, and his latest project promises to be his most thrilling yet. The acclaimed actor, fresh off his Oscar-winning success in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and his chilling performance in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Trap,” is set to star in and produce “All Day & All Night,” an adrenaline-fueled action thriller from Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola.
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A Perfect Storm of Crime and Television
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. This unique premise sets the stage for what promises to be a genre-bending experience that combines high-stakes crime drama with the unpredictable world of reality television.
The film’s innovative concept forces Billy Davies into an impossible situation where staying on camera becomes his only chance of survival. The tension escalates as he must maintain his cover while desperately searching for an escape route, all under the watchful eyes of television cameras and an unsuspecting audience.
Josh Hartnett’s Triumphant Return to Leading Roles
Josh Hartnett’s casting in “All Day & All Night” represents another strategic choice in what industry insiders are calling the “Josh-aissance.” After lying low for years, appearing in a smattering of smaller, lesser-heralded projects, Hartnett, who just turned 46, is having something of a comeback. Perhaps you’ve heard. First there were appearances in the sci-fi anthology Black Mirror and Christopher Nolan’s Oscar-winning blockbuster Oppenheimer last year.
Josh Hartnett’s Career Milestones
| Year | Project | Role | Director | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Oppenheimer | Ernest Lawrence | Christopher Nolan | Oscar-winning comeback |
| 2023 | Black Mirror | David | Multiple | Acclaimed anthology series |
| 2024 | Trap | Cooper Abbott | M. Night Shyamalan | Leading man return |
| 2024 | The Bear | Frank | Multiple | Emmy-nominated guest role |
| 2026 | All Day & All Night | Billy Davies | Tommy Wirkola | Producer and star |
The actor’s recent choices demonstrate a calculated approach to rebuilding his Hollywood presence. Shyamalan had been a fan of Hartnett’s early-career work, but it was his recent output—his work with Nolan and in Black Mirror—that really caught his eye. This strategic selection of high-quality projects has positioned Hartnett for sustained success in his career’s second act.
Tommy Wirkola: Master of Genre-Blending Cinema
Director Tommy Wirkola brings a unique sensibility to “All Day & All Night” that perfectly complements the film’s unconventional premise. Tommy Wirkola is a Norwegian filmmaker. He is known for his film work in hybrid thrillers that combine horror, action and satire, including Dead Snow (2009) and Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead (2014), which were both selected for the Sundance Film Festival.
Wirkola’s recent success with “Violent Night,” starring David Harbour as a action-hero Santa Claus, proved his ability to balance extreme action with dark comedy while maintaining genuine emotional stakes. Honestly, it’s good to have him back. And it’s impossible to think of somebody better equipped to walk the tonal challenges and stage the big, blustery action sequences better than Wirkola.
Tommy Wirkola’s Notable Films
| Film | Year | Genre | Box Office | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Snow | 2009 | Horror Comedy | Cult Success | Sundance Selection |
| Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters | 2013 | Action Fantasy | $226.3M | Mixed Reviews |
| What Happened to Monday | 2017 | Sci-Fi Thriller | Netflix Release | Positive Reception |
| Violent Night | 2022 | Action Comedy | $76.6M | Critical Success |
| All Day & All Night | 2026 | Action Thriller | TBD | Highly Anticipated |
The Evolution of Reality TV Cinema
“All Day & All Night” arrives at a fascinating moment in entertainment history, where reality television and streaming content dominate the cultural landscape. The film’s premise of criminals accidentally becoming reality TV stars reflects contemporary anxieties about fame, surveillance, and the blurred lines between entertainment and real life.
This meta-textual approach allows Wirkola to explore themes of performance and authenticity while delivering the intense action sequences his fans expect. The reality TV setting provides both comic relief and genuine tension, as the characters must navigate the artificial world of television production while dealing with very real criminal consequences.
Production and Release Details
Scheduled for release in Summer 2026, “All Day & All Night” represents a significant investment in Josh Hartnett’s continued comeback. The actor’s involvement as both star and producer indicates his commitment to the project and suggests he sees it as a vehicle for further establishing his renewed Hollywood presence.
The film’s high-concept premise and the proven track records of both Hartnett and Wirkola make it a prime candidate for both critical acclaim and commercial success. Industry analysts expect the project to benefit from Hartnett’s recent hot streak and Wirkola’s reputation for delivering entertaining, well-crafted genre films.
The Broader Impact on Hartnett’s Career
“I’ve always been looking for diversity in my characters,” he explains, “It just is working out now that I think not so much at the ingénue stage of my career, I’m being offered a lot more interesting, complex roles, and ones that are all over the map.” This philosophy clearly extends to “All Day & All Night,” where Hartnett takes on the complex role of a reformed criminal forced back into his old life.
The actor’s strategic approach to his comeback has focused on working with acclaimed directors and choosing projects that showcase his range. So I started calling directors that I knew, or had my agents call directors that I knew, and ask, ‘Do you want Josh in anything?’ I did a couple of films with Guy Richie, and a film with Chris [Nolan], and a couple of other things, like the Black Mirror episode.
Why “All Day & All Night” Matters
Beyond its entertainment value, “All Day & All Night” represents several significant trends in contemporary filmmaking. The project demonstrates the continued viability of mid-budget original content in an industry increasingly dominated by franchise filmmaking. Additionally, it showcases how established stars can successfully reinvent themselves by partnering with visionary directors.
The film’s exploration of media manipulation and the commodification of crime taps into current cultural conversations about the ethics of entertainment and the role of television in shaping public perception. These thematic elements elevate the project beyond simple action fare, positioning it as both thrilling entertainment and social commentary.
Read More: David Fincher’s “The Adventures of Cliff Booth” Set for Summer 2026 Release
FAQs
When will “All Day & All Night” be released?
The film is scheduled for release in Summer 2026, though an exact date has not been announced.
What role does Josh Hartnett play in the film?
Hartnett stars as Billy Davies, a reformed bank robber who returns to crime to pay for his daughter’s Harvard tuition, only to accidentally stumble onto a reality TV set during a heist gone wrong.
Who is directing “All Day & All Night”?
The film is directed by Tommy Wirkola, known for “Violent Night,” “Dead Snow,” and “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.”
Is this Josh Hartnett’s first leading role since his comeback?
While Hartnett had a leading role in “Trap” (2024), “All Day & All Night” is notable because he’s also serving as a producer on the project.
What genre is “All Day & All Night”?
The film is described as an action thriller that combines elements of crime drama with dark comedy, focusing on the intersection of criminal activity and reality television.
