Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist Josh Brolin on Craft Over Fame, the Cost of Honesty, and His Inner Switch
Dec 14, 2025
Josh Brolin, an Academy Award-nominated actor with a 40-year career including roles in The Goonies and Marvel hits, opens up about his craft during a conversation at the Chelsea Hotel. He discusses his upcoming projects, embraces the challenges of demanding roles, and shares insights into his memoir-writing process. Brolin reflects on the struggle between fame and authenticity, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded. He recalls his unconventional start in acting and the determination that shaped his career trajectory.
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Why He Took Weapons
- Weapons was originally destined for Pedro Pascal but recasting and a pause opened the role to Brolin.
- Meeting director Zach revealed a grief-driven depth beneath the horror genre that convinced Josh to sign on.
Fear Of Hype Keeps Him Grounded
- Brolin fears believing his own hype because it removes him from the human condition his work must represent.
- He deliberately keeps a normal life to stay truthful and grounded as an actor.
Ordinary Life Feeds Authentic Performances
- Brolin actively places himself in ordinary situations to preserve wonder and honest reactions for his acting.
- He sees authentic life experiences as fuel for truthful performances.
