Josh Brolin Steps Into Horror Genre for the First Time with 'Weapons'

Keywords: Josh Brolin, Weapons, Horror Movie, Fatherhood, Masculinity, CBS News, Josh Brolin Horror Debut, Film Review
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Tuesday, 05 August 2025

A New Chapter for Josh Brolin: Horror Debut in 'Weapons'

In a surprising turn for the veteran actor, Josh Brolin has ventured into the horror genre for the first time with his latest film, 'Weapons'. The movie marks a bold departure from his usual blockbuster roles, such as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his iconic performance in Dune. This time, Brolin takes on a deeply emotional and psychological role that explores the darkest corners of human nature.


In 'Weapons', Brolin plays a father who is thrust into a nightmare after a series of children, including his own, mysteriously disappear. The character is described by Brolin as a man who is "a victim of their circumstances" and one who desperately seeks control in a world that has taken everything from him.

"He doesn't have his kid. And then he realizes what he was not giving his kid, which was affection and time and presence," Brolin said in an exclusive interview for CBS Mornings. This emotional depth has become a central theme of the film, with Brolin openly reflecting on the challenges of fatherhood and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.


The film delves into the theme of masculinity in a way that Brolin felt compelled to confront. "I loved the idea of confronting masculinity like that," he said. "We all live by that says we don't do anything and we don't smile and we don't laugh, we don't cry and all this kind of stuff, and you go have the thing that you care most about be taken away from you."


Brolin, who has been in the industry for over four decades, explained that he chose the role as a creative challenge. "You choose these roles and you go, 'How can I be challenged? How can I continue to?'" he said. For the first time in his career, he is stepping into a genre that he admits has long been a part of his childhood. "It's also a genre I have not really been involved with," he said, noting that his mother was a big fan of horror films and true crime stories, which shaped his early fascination with the genre.


Despite his long career in film, Brolin has avoided horror projects while raising his children, but he now feels ready to embrace the genre's intensity. "I liked the idea of not knowing if I can do something," he said, highlighting the unpredictability and emotional weight that horror films can carry.


'Weapons' is set to open in theaters and IMAX on Friday, marking a significant moment in Brolin's career as he ventures into uncharted territory. The film promises to be a chilling and thought-provoking experience, showcasing a different side of an actor who has long been associated with action and epic storytelling.


As audiences prepare for this new chapter in Brolin's career, the film is expected to offer a powerful commentary on fatherhood, loss, and the complex nature of human emotions. It's a bold move that proves Brolin's versatility as an actor and his willingness to take risks in pursuit of compelling storytelling.