Josh Brolin Reflects on Losing Batman Role to Ben Affleck

Josh Brolin recently appeared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast and revealed that he was once in contention to play Batman for Zack Snyder.

Brolin, who is known for his role as Thanos in the MCU and Cable in Deadpool 2 explained that he was interested in playing the Caped Crusader before Snyder settled on Ben Affleck, who made his debut as the iconic character in the 2016 Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice film. Brolin explained that he was eager to play the role if Snyder did not go with Affleck, “That was his decision — that wasn’t my decision. That was his decision.”

The Oscar-nominated actor also added that the role intrigued him because he tends to gravitate towards projects with a risky element to them, “Something that is set up to not work at all, or to work flyingly — I like those odds. I like playing with those odds. I’m like, ‘Am I the guy who’s gonna make it all fail?’” The conversation led to Brolin poking fun at George Clooney‘s highly criticized role in the 1997 Batman & Robin, “You talk to Clooney and he’s still joking about it — and it wasn’t his fault.” Brolin also revealed that the conversation surrounding the Batman role came prior to him signing on to Deadpool 2. He commented on what would have been his Batman portrayal sharing,

“It would have been the older, more raspy, for lack of a better word. Honestly, that would have been a fun deal, and maybe I’ll do it when I’m 80.”

Affleck is set to reprise his role as Batman in the film The Flash. The film is said to mark his final appearance as the Caped Crusader and releases on June 23, 2023.

In other entertainment news, Seth MacFarlane is slated to reprise his Ted role in the new TV series.