Josh Brolin frequently goes unrecognized for his versatility as an actor, yet in 2025, he is showcasing his diverse talents. He typically portrays intricate, tough heroes, as seen in Dune and Deadpool 2, bringing an emotional depth that makes them relatable. His most recent role in Weapons highlights a character that perfectly aligns with his greatest strengths.
Josh Brolin portrays Archer in Weapons, a blue-collar dad who is frantic to locate his son, Matthew, one of the 17 children who vanished without a trace into the night. Although he commits some terrible acts driven by fear and rage, his unwavering love for his son and his eventual transformation into a hero render his intentions more comprehensible.
Nonetheless, Brolin has demonstrated his ability to portray terrifying villains, including Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Tom Chaney in True Grit. In contrast to Archer, these characters have crossed the line and possess nearly no redeeming traits.
This year, Josh Brolin has the chance to combine his role in Weapons with a significantly darker character in Edgar Wright’s forthcoming The Running Man.
Josh Brolin’s Character In The Running Man Is A Villain Beyond Redemption
Archer possesses one of the most compelling character arcs in Weapons. At the film’s outset, he is depicted as an antagonist, making baseless claims against Ms. Gandy and defacing her car with the word “Witch.” Nevertheless, his motivations are relatable, despite his extreme actions.
Any parent would go to great lengths to locate their child, and Ms. Gandy became a regrettable and vulnerable outlet for Archer’s rage and despair. As the story unfolds, his character undergoes a transformation, joining forces with Ms. Gandy to rescue his son and the other children from Aunt Gladys’ enchantment.
Furthermore, he comes to terms with his shortcomings as a father, expressing remorse to Matthew in a dream sequence for failing to provide him with sufficient love. The goodwill that viewers extended to Archer in Weapons will not be reciprocated by his character in The Running Man.
Adapted from the 1982 novel by Stephen King, this film takes place in a dystopian, totalitarian America where desperate individuals can participate in brutal televised games for a chance to win money. Josh Brolin will portray Dan Killian, the executive producer of the network’s top-rated program, The Running Man.
In this show, a contestant is labeled an enemy of the state and is pursued by the entire globe for a duration of 30 days. With each passing day, their prize money increases, and if the contestant manages to endure the entire game, they stand to win $1 billion.
However, no one has ever lasted that long – and Killian makes certain that no one will. Brolin’s producer embodies a truly despicable villain in numerous ways. Not only does he orchestrate a sadistic game show driven by the pursuit of ratings and power, but he also serves as a significant tool for the state.
His network operates as a propaganda machine, designed to divert citizens’ attention from their everyday hardships while fostering a narrative that pits the upper and middle classes against the poor, blaming them for societal issues.
He goes to extreme lengths to guarantee that no radical messages are ever conveyed by the contestants. Moreover, he views everyone in his vicinity as disposable, showing no concern for those who may suffer, provided it enhances his ratings.
There is absolutely nothing redeeming about him; his sole driving forces are avarice and domination. In other words, he is the ideal follow-up for Josh Brolin in Weapons. After exploring subtlety with Archer, it will be refreshing to witness him completely embrace his darker side once more in The Running Man.