On Film…With Kevin McCarthy

Ep. 1: Josh Brolin talks Weapons, Goonies, No Country, Thanos & more

Aug 20, 2025
Join acclaimed actor Josh Brolin as he reflects on his dynamic career, from 'Goonies' to playing Thanos. He discusses the emotional depth of his latest film 'Weapons' while exploring themes of masculinity and vulnerability. Brolin reveals his memorable experiences auditioning for 'No Country for Old Men' and turning down roles from visionary directors like Nolan and Villeneuve. Plus, he shares insights about the collaborative power of filmmaking and the impact of iconic films that shaped him.
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ANECDOTE

Dad’s Viral Celebration

  • Josh Brolin shared a viral video of his father running toward the camera celebrating Weapons' success, revealing his family's bemused reaction to his fame.
  • He prefers Instagram as his main social media and uses it to connect with artists and friends.
INSIGHT

Weapons As Social Mirror

  • Brolin interprets the film's gun imagery as reflecting school shootings and the weaponization of children within a culture of fragile masculinity.
  • He links Archer's arc to losing what's most valuable and finally confronting vulnerability and blame.
ADVICE

Trust The Edit

  • Brolin explained how actors shoot multiple takes to provide options and trust editing to find the best emotional truth.
  • He advised accepting that what feels right on set may only be validated later in the edit room.
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