Before He Was Thanos, Josh Brolin Got Very Close to Playing Zack Snyder’s Batman

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Initially, renowned actor Josh Brolin, who played Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was on the verge of embodying a very distinct character in the DC Extended Universe – none other than Bruce Wayne/Batman. Despite his four-decade long career that includes significant roles in franchises like Dune, Men in Black, and individual hits such as Sicario, No Country for Old Men, Everest, and even a second Marvel role as Cable in Deadpool 2, fans of comic book movies are primarily captivated by his portrayal of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. However, many are unaware that Brolin nearly donned the cape and cowl instead.

For several years, Josh Brolin has spoken openly about the possibility of playing Batman in Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe. However, the part ultimately went to Ben Affleck, who played the famous vigilante in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), “Suicide Squad” (2016), “Justice League” (2017), “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” (2021), and “The Flash” (2023). Known for its darker, more complex portrayal of superheroes, Snyder’s section of the franchise has amassed a devoted fanbase who appreciate his artistic approach. Fans will be eager to hear Brolin discuss his opportunity to play Batman and the reasons why his collaboration with Snyder didn’t come to fruition.

How Josh Brolin Almost Played Batman in Zack Snyder’s DCEU

In a 2022 interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Brolin shared that he was first offered the role of Batman prior to the release of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”. He found the prospect exciting, but Snyder ultimately chose a different interpretation for the character of Batman.

At that point, it was a choice he made – not one I had made,” Brolin explained earlier. He additionally shared his vision for how he would portray Batman.

If I were older and my voice more hoarse, as colloquially described, it would add an exciting twist,” I mused. ” frankly, that sounds like a delightful venture. Perhaps one day when I’m 80, I might just give it a go.

As a devoted cinephile, what drew me to the role of Batman wasn’t just any ordinary aspect; it was the pulse-pounding, high-stakes drama associated with embodying such an iconic character within a massive franchise that truly resonated with me.

He expressed his preference for situations that are either completely unsuccessful or incredibly successful – a choice he finds intriguing. He enjoys testing his luck in such circumstances, often questioning whether he’s the one to turn things around and succeed where others have failed.

However, ultimately, Brolin did not express any remorse over missing the opportunity to play Batman, as he openly shared during an interview with ComicBookMovie in 2018.

As a cinephile, I found myself having casual conversations that hinted at deeper topics, yet never fully delved into them. It turned out we weren’t meant to be in that context, and I couldn’t be happier about it. To this day, the thought of it barely crosses my mind.

Dawn of Justice” may have come too soon for Brolin’s older, rugged portrayal of Batman, which is why Snyder chose Affleck instead.

Despite Missing Out on Batman, Josh Brolin Remains a Legend of the Superhero Genre

It’s common knowledge that playing Thanos solidified Brolin as an iconic figure in the world of superhero movies. Although his physical likeness is only partially seen in the giant purple villain, Brolin’s vocal performance gives Thanos a menacing yet sometimes compassionate tone. While Brolin could have given a memorable portrayal of Batman and Bruce Wayne, many actors have played these characters before him. On the other hand, Brolin is the only actor to bring Thanos to life on screen, making his interpretation the definitive version of the villain. No one can match Brolin’s portrayal of Thanos, and it’s unlikely that another actor will take on this role, so although Brolin’s Batman may never become a reality, he has already left an indelible mark on the superhero genre.

The character Thanos, portrayed by Josh Brolin, dominates the narrative in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”, two films that can now be watched online via Disney+ streaming service.

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2025-04-13 02:13