Did Josh Brolin Almost Become Batman? Here’s What He Said after Losing $6.7B DC Role
Actor Josh Brolin recently confirmed longstanding rumors that he was seriously considered for the coveted role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in Zack Snyder’s DC Comics film series. Ultimately, Ben Affleck landed the part instead and played Batman in several films. But Brolin disclosed intriguing details about his near-casting and what his take on the Dark Knight might have looked like.
Josh Brolin has played numerous iconic comic book roles, from Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Cable in Deadpool 2. But in a surprising revelation, he disclosed that he was nearly cast in the coveted part of Batman. Brolin peeled back the curtain on his experience auditioning for Batman and what his portrayal might have looked like.
What Was Josh Brolin’s Batman Supposed to Be Like?
In an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Josh Brolin shared insights from his discussions with Snyder about potentially suiting up as the Caped Crusader.
“It would have been the older, more raspy, for lack of a better word,” he revealed about their vision for this grizzled interpretation of Batman.
Rather than a fresh-faced crimefighter, it seems Brolin was set to portray a battered veteran vigilante in the vein of Frank Miller’s iconic The Dark Knight Returns comic.
“Honestly, that would have been a fun deal, and maybe I’ll do it when I’m 80,” Brolin quipped about playing an elder Batman one day.
Why Was Brolin Drawn to the Role Despite Risks?
As one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors with roles like Thanos and Cable under his belt, why did the notion of stepping into the long shadow cast by Batman appeal to Brolin? He explained that the polarizing reputation of previous Batman films is precisely what intrigued him about the risks and rewards of the part.
“Something that is set up to not work at all, or to work flyingly – I like those odds,” Brolin asserted. “I like playing with those odds. I’m like, ‘Am I the guy who’s gonna make it all fail?'”
“You talk to Clooney, and he’s still joking about it — and it wasn’t his fault.”
He even jokingly referenced George Clooney’s infamously disastrous turn as Batman in 1997’s Batman & Robin as an example of a well-regarded actor being hampered by external factors.
What’s Next for Batman and Josh Brolin?
Of course, Ben Affleck would go on to lead several Batman appearances before stepping away from the role. And the current big-screen Batman is Robert Pattinson, with a sequel to his acclaimed take on a young Dark Knight in the works.
Also Read: Even the Batman Christian Bale Got Nervous to Play One Role That Went to Marvel Star Josh Brolin
As for Brolin, while he may have missed out on Batman over 5 years ago, his superhero dance card remains plenty full. He recently concluded his epic run as the Mad Titan Thanos that spanned numerous Marvel blockbusters. And Brolin expressed interest in eventually coming full circle to finally play Batman in his golden years.
So while he didn’t land the part in his prime, don’t rule out an elderly Caped Crusader adventure starring Josh Brolin someday.
