Thanos Lives? Josh Brolin Hints at Shocking MCU Return
Josh Brolin discusses his role in Ridley Scott's post-apocalyptic film The Dog Stars and reuniting with the director after two decades. He also weighs in on Thanos's potential MCU return, controversially suggesting the Mad Titan's logic about planetary salvation wasn't entirely wrong, drawing parallels to real-world environmental concerns.
In a recent interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, actor Josh Brolin delved into his latest project, Ridley Scott’s sci-fi thriller The Dog Stars, while also touching upon widely speculated rumors regarding the potential return of his iconic Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Thanos. Brolin offered a unique perspective on the Mad Titan's controversial philosophy and shared insights into his experience reuniting with legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott after two decades, reminiscing about their work together on American Gangster.
The conversation quickly veered towards the possibility of Thanos making a surprise comeback in upcoming MCU installments, specifically Avengers: Doomsday. While Brolin remained enigmatic about his character's future, he provocatively suggested that Thanos's drastic ideology—halving the universe's population to save its remaining resources—might not have been "necessarily wrong." He drew parallels between Thanos's fictional solution and real-world environmental crises, expressing deep concern over humanity's impact on the planet.
Brolin elaborated on his anxieties, lamenting the pervasive destruction and lack of political will to address global warming and natural disasters. He questioned the individual's role in perpetuating environmental harm versus the greater responsibility of governments to implement impactful changes. Referencing initial public reactions to Tom Hanks contracting COVID-19, he highlighted humanity's sudden realization of vulnerability and the stark imagery of an apocalyptic future, a theme he often explores in his writings and which resonates strongly with the narrative of The Dog Stars.
This pressing real-world concern sets the stage for The Dog Stars, where Brolin portrays Bangley, a military survivalist navigating a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape. The film follows Hig (Jacob Elordi), a young pilot who has lost everything to a deadly virus that decimated the population. Hig and Bangley maintain a makeshift homestead, fending off violent survivors known as Reapers. The duo's grim existence takes a hopeful turn when Hig receives a mysterious transmission, igniting a mission for a future he refuses to abandon. The movie also features a strong ensemble cast including Margaret Qualley, Benedict Wong, Allison Janney, and Guy Pearce.
A significant portion of the interview centered on Brolin's collaboration with director Ridley Scott, marking their first project since American Gangster two decades prior. Brolin candidly admitted to initial trepidation and even a moment of thinking Scott might have "lost his mind" due to jet lag, under-preparation, and Scott's cryptic directorial style during a forced rehearsal. He likened Scott's communication to "puzzles," reminiscent of working with Paul Verhoeven, requiring actors to decipher his true intentions.
However, Brolin quickly rediscovered the "magic" of working with Scott once filming began. He praised Scott's unconventional approach, particularly his use of multiple cameras simultaneously, which encourages actors to deliver 100% in every take. This method allows for extensive experimentation, quick scene completion, and a unique process where actors are effectively "editing as they're acting." Brolin described the experience as an "addictive process," fostering an electric atmosphere on set.
The director's trust in his actors and his unconventional methods were further highlighted by Brolin's anecdote of Scott showing him a rough cut of a scene they had just finished. This immediate feedback, a rarity in filmmaking, reassured Brolin and cemented his appreciation for Scott’s mastery. The collaborative and dynamic environment created by Scott ensures that every actor, including co-stars Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley, remains fully immersed and engaged throughout the shoot, preventing any "take off" moments.
Josh Brolin's insights offer a compelling look into both his philosophical musings on societal decay and his professional admiration for one of cinema's titans. The Dog Stars promises to be a gripping sci-fi thriller, featuring a stellar cast and helmed by the inimitable Ridley Scott, set to open in theaters and IMAX on August 28.