Skip to content
Josh Hartnett speaking on set of Verity with Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson in the backgroundPhoto via Deadline

Josh Hartnett Says Intimacy Coordinator Shaped ‘Verity’ Set

The actor revealed how a professional intimacy coach helped him navigate steamy scenes with Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson on the Colleen Hoover adaptation.

By Reel to Reel2 min read

In this story

Current hype level57

Live site hype

around 7 reading right now · 1.3k today

Josh Hartnett opened up to ABC News Live Prime about the behind‑the‑scenes work that kept the heat on the set of Verity in check. He confirmed that an intimacy coordinator was present throughout filming, guiding the actors through the story’s more charged moments.

The actor said the coordinator’s presence turned what could have been awkward into something that felt "kind of goofy" in the best way. He added that the professional helped everyone stay comfortable while still delivering the tension the script demands.

Hartnett also tipped his hat to director Michael Showalter, describing him as someone who keeps the atmosphere lively. "We laughed a lot on this set," he recalled, noting that the crew often had to pull themselves together for serious beats despite the constant banter.

When asked about his co‑stars, Hartnett was effusive. He called Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson "professional and intentional actors" and praised their talent. He said their chemistry clicked early, allowing the trio to "play with those dynamics" without forcing anything.

Verity adapts Colleen Hoover’s bestseller about renowned author Verity Crawford, played by Hathaway, and a struggling writer, Lowen Ashleigh, portrayed by Johnson. Lowen moves into the Crawford estate to ghostwrite a new book, only to stumble upon chilling autobiographical notes that blur the line between fiction and reality. Josh Hartnett steps in as Jeremy, Verity’s husband, whose presence fuels the film’s psychological twists.

The interview points to a growing trend in Hollywood: intimacy coordinators are becoming standard on sets that feature explicit content. Their role, according to Hartnett, is not just about safety but also about fostering a collaborative vibe that lets actors focus on performance.

Verity is slated for a late‑2026 release, and the buzz around its production process adds another layer of anticipation. Fans of the novel will be watching closely to see how the on‑set chemistry translates to the final cut.

So while the movie promises a blend of romance, suspense, and dark secrets, Hartnett’s comments hint that the real story might also be how modern filmmaking navigates intimacy with professionalism and a dash of humor.

Reported from

This article was written by the CutMirchi desk from the reporting above. Facts are attributed to their original publishers.

What did you make of it?

Be the first to comment

Join the argument. No password, just your email or a passkey.

    Read next

    Josh Hartnett on Intimacy Coordinator for Verity Film | CutMirchi