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Josh Brolin collaborated with the controversial director Oliver Stone to portray former American President George W. Bush in the 2008 political comedy filmW.TheAvengers: Endgameactor was roped in for the role after the director’s original choice, Christian Bale, passed on it.W.explores Bush’s life, from his time at Yale University to his presidency as the 43rd President of the United States.
Despite Stone’s criticism of Bush, the director confirmed at the time that his intention was not to create an anti-Bush narrative. The film was strategically released just before the 2008 presidential elections.
Also Read:“I lied to the Coens”: Deadpool Star Josh Brolin Almost Cost His Doctor His Medical License, Forced Him to Lie for $171M Movie That Won 4 Oscars
The Decision To Cast Josh Brolin As The Polarizing President
AlthoughJosh Brolinplayed Bush to perfection, he was not Stone’s first choice. ThePlatoondirector contemplated making the film withHarrison Fordand later fixedChristian Balefor the role. However, TheDark Knightactor could not go through with it after his prosthetic makeup tests did not go well. Eventually, the role landed with Brolin.
Oliver Stone did not consider theOldboyactor initially because he needed someone with a star value. Stone shared with GQ:
“I needed a star, though, and Josh Brolin was not a star”.
But eventually, the Academy Award-winning director settled for Brolin after finding something very ‘Americana’ in him. TheJFKdirector still wanted Brolin to put on prosthetic makeup for the film. However, theJonah Hexactor rejected the prosthetics, stating that he doesn’t want to merely look like George Bush but also act like him.
Also Read:“It deserved that bashing”: Before Playing Thanos in Avengers, Josh Brolin Committed Career Suicide With DC Comic Book Based Movie ‘Jonah Hex’
How Did Josh Brolin Take The News Of His Casting?
Josh Brolin, though born into a Republican family, had an inclination towards the Democratic party. TheDuneactor was confused as to why the director would choose him for the role considering his opposing political views. Brolin said:
“When people approach you about roles, you understand why they would make the connection. But when [Stone] came to me about Bush, I couldn’t understand it. I couldn’t make any connection whatsoever. I was a little insulted. He said, ‘There’s something very Americana about you. There’s something bucolic about you.’”
But once Brolin had the chance to go through the script ofW., he was convinced of the role. Josh Brolin spent a lot of time doing extensive research on the character, reading books, and watching many interviews. TheDeadpool 2actor revealed that he even grew to appreciate more aspects of Bush apart from his views.
Also Read:“I don’t have to like you, I can act it!”: Josh Brolin Had Issues With How Will Smith Behaved on Set of ‘Men in Black’, Called the Movie “an insane asylum”
Worth noting is the fact that Brolin was arrested after an altercation at a bar along withW.co-starJeffrey Wrightand some crew members of the movie. You can catch the movie for rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Source:ABC News
Hashim Asraff
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3019
Hashim Asraff is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, with over 2,800 articles published on celebrity culture, comic book movies, and major TV franchises. With a background in Sociology and a keen interest in pop culture, Hashim brings a unique lens to breaking news stories, character deep-dives, film rankings, and fan-driven perspectives.His coverage often includes the MCU, DCU, hit network shows, and celebrity profiles, giving readers a rich blend of entertainment and analysis. A longtime fan of crime and investigative series, Hashim has watched thousands of episodes of NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Bones, Blue Bloods, and The RookieA passionate storyteller and wordsmith, Hashim has also worked as a ghostwriter and managed multiple social media handles. He brought his writing expertise to FandomWire to also pursue his lifelong love for cinema and television.
