Josh Hartnett Says 'Black Dahlia' Prevented Him From Starring In 'Brokeback Mountain' With Joaquin Phoenix

Over the years, we’ve seen folks talk quite a bit about Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning drama, “Brokeback Mountain.” Some people consider it a bit of a poster child for Hollywood’s penchant for hiring straight actors to play LGBTQ+ roles. Others look at how the film was a monumental success and paved the way for more LGBTQ+ representation on the big screen. And then there are some, much to the chagrin of the folks involved, who treat “Brokeback Mountain” as a sort of joke. But for Josh Hartnett, he sees “Brokeback Mountain” as a missed opportunity.

READ MORE: Jake Gyllenhaal Has Conflicting Feelings About ‘Brokeback Mountain’ & Straight People Playing LGBTQ Roles

Speaking to News.co.au, Josh Hartnett revealed that he was originally cast in one of the lead roles for Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain.” He went on to say that he would have been joined by Joaquin Phoenix in the film. But, due to a dreaded scheduling conflict, Hartnett had to drop out.

“Unfortunately, I was going to do ‘Brokeback Mountain,’” said Hartnett. “And I had a contract with (2006 film) ‘Black Dahlia’ that I had to film, so I had to drop out of it.”

He added, “It was a different film altogether, it was me and Joaquin Phoenix. But they went on to do it with Heath (Ledger) and Jake (Gyllenhaal)…”I’ve always wanted to kiss Joaquin. So that’s my biggest regret.”

READ MORE: Pedro Almodovar Was Tempted To Make A More “Animalistic” Version Of ‘Brokeback Mountain’

Of course, folks know that Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal would go on to earn rave reviews for their performances in the film, both receiving Oscar nominations in the process. The film would go on to launch both into A-list territory and open them up for more prestige roles. Let’s not forget that four years prior, Ledger was seen in “A Knight’s Tale” and Gyllenhaal was in “Bubble Boy.” 

Who knows what would have happened to Hartnett’s career if he “Brokeback Mountain” zigged instead of “Black Dahlia” zagged? Much like the hundreds of other near-casting stories that have circulated through the industry, we’ll just never know.