If you’ve been paying attention to Hollywood over the last few years, one thing’s clear, Josh Brolin is having a moment. Again.
From early cult classics to modern-day thrillers and horror, Brolin has crafted a unique, evolving career.
Whether you first saw him in The Goonies or watched him blow up screens as Cable in Deadpool 2, chances are you’ve witnessed a Josh Brolin performance that stuck with you.
Let’s explore why Josh Brolin remains one of Hollywood’s most magnetic performers, and how he keeps reinventing himself with every project.
From The Goonies to 2025: A Legacy in the Making
For many fans, The Goonies (1985) was their first glimpse of Josh Brolin.
Playing the big brother Brand Walsh, he became an instant favorite, athletic, snarky, and protective, all in one.
In recent months, talks of a Goonies sequel with Josh Brolin have made headlines again. While nothing is officially confirmed, Brolin has expressed openness to returning, sparking hope in long-time fans who’d love to see the gang back together.
Building a Gritty Filmography
Brolin didn’t settle for nostalgia. He transformed his image with bold roles in films like No Country for Old Men and Sicario, where he played a shadowy government agent operating in the blurred lines of morality.
His performance in Sicario (and its sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado) proved that he could anchor high-stakes thrillers with quiet intensity, a trait that’s now become his signature.
You’ll also find him in lesser-known thrillers like Hollow Man, where he starred alongside Kevin Bacon in a sci-fi horror blend, and in Jonah Hex, a gritty comic-book western that, while not a commercial hit, added depth to his genre-hopping filmography.
Superhero Mode: Cable and Thanos
Talk about range, Brolin pulled off the rare Hollywood feat of playing two Marvel icons in the same decade.
In Deadpool 2, he transformed into Cable, a time-traveling, cybernetic soldier with a tragic past. His chemistry with Ryan Reynolds and no-nonsense delivery turned Cable into an instant fan-favorite.
At the same time, his portrayal of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame became legendary.
Even with motion capture, Brolin’s performance as the intergalactic villain brought surprising emotion and gravitas. The character became one of the most complex villains in modern superhero cinema, and cemented Brolin’s global recognition.
Scaling Everest and Exploring Outer Range
In Everest (2015), Brolin played real-life climber Beck Weathers in a chilling survival drama based on true events. It showed his willingness to push physical and emotional boundaries, and added yet another acclaimed performance to his resume.
More recently, in the TV series Outer Range, he embraced a strange blend of western and sci-fi. As Royal Abbott, Brolin anchors a show filled with mysterious voids, family secrets, and existential questions. The series has become a cult favorite on streaming platforms, driving renewed interest in Josh Brolin movies and TV shows.
Dune and the Sci-Fi Renaissance
The Dune franchise has further solidified Brolin’s status as a versatile powerhouse. In Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, he plays Gurney Halleck, a warrior-poet and loyal mentor to Paul Atreides.
It’s not just another sci-fi role. With Denis Villeneuve’s visionary direction and a high-profile cast, Dune has become one of the most respected cinematic sagas of the 2020s. And Brolin’s grounded, intense performance fits perfectly into that universe.
The Horror Turn: Weapons (2025)
Brolin’s latest release, Weapons, is a psychological horror film that’s already drawing comparisons to Get Out and Hereditary. Directed by Zach Cregger, the film dives into multiple storylines tied together by a mysterious event, with Brolin playing a key figure in the chilling narrative.
It’s a bold move for the actor, but not surprising. He’s always embraced creative risks, and Weapons may turn out to be one of his most daring performances yet.
What’s Next for Josh Brolin?
With projects across horror, sci-fi, western, and superhero genres, Brolin continues to defy expectations.
He’s also producing, mentoring new actors, and staying relevant in the ever-evolving Hollywood ecosystem.
From gritty action films to thoughtful character dramas, his choices remain fresh, and audiences are clearly responding.
Why He Still Matters in 2025
In a fast-paced, youth-obsessed industry, Josh Brolin’s longevity is impressive. He’s proven he can play the action hero, the complicated anti-hero, and the wise mentor, sometimes all in the same year.
Final Thoughts
Josh Brolin isn’t just riding a comeback wave; he’s redefining what staying power looks like in modern Hollywood.
From The Goonies to Dune and beyond, his work continues to connect across time, genre, and generations.
If you’re just catching up on his work or rediscovering old favorites, now’s the perfect time to appreciate the full scope of his career.
