Josh Brolin, known for his diverse acting career, recently opened up about turning down a key role in the Oscar-winning 2014 film Birdman. Although the film became a major success and a career milestone for Michael Keaton, Brolin was originally offered the part of Mike, a complex stage actor eventually portrayed by Edward Norton. The decision to quit the role still lingers with Brolin, shedding light on the difficult choices actors face.
What Led Brolin to Leave the Role
During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Brolin expressed admiration for Birdman and his regret over missing out. He explained that after participating in the table reading and finding the material funny, he pulled out of the project because he went to see his son in Thailand. Brolin recalled,
“But when I saw Edward in that role … he was perfect. He kills it. I had done the table reading, and it was funny, and I pulled out because I went and saw my son in Thailand. I know why I pulled out, and I wouldn’t have changed it even today. But I would have liked to do that movie, and I love Iñárritu. I think he’s amazing.”
—Josh Brolin
Other Career Choices and Comic Book Opportunities
Brolin’s track record includes many large franchises, but he remains selective about his roles. He also revealed that he declined a leading part in HBO Max’s upcoming DC Studios series Lanterns, where he was a top candidate to portray Green Lantern’s Hal Jordan. This role has now been assigned to Kyle Chandler, with Aaron Pierre playing John Stewart. On this, Brolin shared,
“I’m super excited to see it … I can’t wait to see it, because I love Kyle Chandler, I think he’s solid. He’s fantastic.”
—Josh Brolin
Willingness to Return to Marvel Cinematic Universe
Despite some missed opportunities, Brolin affirmed his enthusiasm for returning as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Speaking about future comic book roles, he emphasized his readiness, stating,
“If they called me in London right now, and said, ‘Let’s do this,’ I’d be like, ‘I’ll be there tomorrow.’”
—Josh Brolin
The Impact of Choices on His Career and Personal Life
While Brolin acknowledges feeling some FOMO about Birdman, his decisions often prioritized family over career. Choosing to spend time with his son rather than continuing with the Birdman role illustrates the tension actors face balancing work and personal commitments. Even with such high-profile chances missed, Brolin’s career remains robust, and his appreciation for influential filmmakers like Alejandro G. Iñárritu remains strong.
