**Josh Hartnett and Anne Hathaway Share Laughs over a Halloween Prank on the Set of ‘Verity’**
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As the anticipation builds for the release of *Verity*, a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, Josh Hartnett recently revealed a humorous encounter with his co-star Anne Hathaway that left him thoroughly spooked. The film is slated to hit UK cinemas on October 2, 2026, and fans are eager to see how the gripping story has been brought to life.
Hartnett, who has a notable history in thrillers, found himself startled not by the film’s intense scenes, but by Hathaway’s unexpected antics. During a promotional interview with IMDb, the actor shared that a prank orchestrated by Hathaway became the most frightening moment of his career in the last decade. He plays Jeremy Crawford, the husband of Hathaway’s character, the celebrated author Verity.
The scene during filming unfolded in a kitchen where Dakota Johnson, who portrays the ghostwriter Lowen Ashleigh, believes she may have spotted Verity during a moment of intimacy with Jeremy. It was while rehearsing this scene that Hathaway, not initially scheduled to be on set that day, decided to surprise Hartnett.
“In the midst of rehearsals, I was walking down a hallway, completely zoned in on my performance,” Hartnett recalled. “Annie leaped out from behind a corner and hissed at me. Honestly, it was the most terrifying experience I’ve had in a long time.” Laughter erupted as Hathaway explained how she had been plotting the prank while trying to ensure her exit from the shot would remain seamless.
“I found a small alcove to hide in,” Hathaway described. “Josh was so focused on his scene that he had no idea I was there. I thought it would be funny to give him a little private scare, so when he passed by, I hissed.”
The actor added that Hartnett’s subsequent reaction proved to be the highlight of the prank. “I was rolling with laughter as he raised his hands to protect himself and stared at me, visibly shaken,” she recounted. “He said, ‘You just scared me. I haven’t been scared like that in years,’ and narrated it so vividly from that overwhelming place of fear.”
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of a remote Crawford estate, *Verity* explores themes of fiction versus reality, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships. The film’s synopsis reveals that Lowen is tasked with ghostwriting for Verity, but soon discovers bone-chilling autobiographical notes that blur the lines between truth and horror, particularly concerning Jeremy, portrayed by Hartnett.
Director Michael Showalter’s adaptation captures the psychological tension of Hoover’s novel, which has captivated readers with its intricate plot twists. As the character Lowen delves deeper into Verity’s unsettling past, audiences can expect a gripping cinematic experience that keeps them on the edge of their seats.
Amid the dark themes of the narrative, it appears that camaraderie among the cast shines through, particularly in moments like Hathaway’s prank. The blend of horror and humour is a reminder of the importance of levity amidst tension, especially in a thriller setting.
With *Verity* just days away from its debut, both Hartnett and Hathaway’s chemistry is anticipated to drive the film’s success. As they navigate a complex web of characters and chilling revelations, fans are eager to witness not just the onscreen drama but the lively interactions behind the scenes that have clearly added a layer of enjoyment to the filming process.
As the premiere approaches, it looks like *Verity* promises to be more than just a standard thriller, reflecting the nuances of its cast and the playful dynamics they share. Audiences won’t want to miss what could be one of the most talked-about films of the season when it lands in theatres this October.