Summary (tl;dr)

Josh Brolin is trending due to recent interviews where he discussed his former friendship with Donald Trump, characterizing him as a "marketing genius" but also a "different guy" since becoming president. Brolin also clarified that his upcoming role in "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" was not inspired by Trump.

Essential Background

Josh Brolin is a prominent American actor known for roles in films such as "No Country for Old Men," "Milk," and portraying Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has maintained a busy career, with several high-profile projects. Prior to Donald Trump's presidency, Brolin and Trump were acquainted, having met around the time they both were involved with the film "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps". Trump's scene was ultimately cut from the film.

The Full Story

Josh Brolin is currently making headlines following interviews where he reflected on his past relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Brolin described Trump as a "marketing genius" who effectively understands and addresses "the weakness of the general population". However, Brolin emphasized that the Trump he knew before the presidency was a "different guy" than the one seen today. He also expressed confidence that Trump would not serve a third term, stating he is "not scared of Trump".

Additionally, Brolin addressed recent speculation that his character, Monsignor Wicks, in the upcoming film "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" was based on Trump. He explicitly denied these claims, though he noted that his character, like Trump, "garners a sense of power, and then there are no boundaries". The actor has a busy schedule, with "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" set for release on December 12, 2025, and two other films, "The Running Man" and "The Dog Stars," released on November 14, 2025. He also starred in the horror film "Weapons," which was released in theaters in August 2025 and later on HBO Max in October 2025.

Why It Matters

Brolin's comments offer a unique, personal perspective on a highly polarizing political figure from someone who knew him before his entry into national politics. His insights into Trump's "marketing genius" provide a commentary on the nature of political appeal and public engagement. The widespread interest in his remarks, coupled with the anticipation for his upcoming major film releases, highlights his continued relevance in both entertainment and public discourse. The denial of Trump's influence on his "Knives Out" character also reflects the public's tendency to draw connections between public figures and fictional portrayals, especially in politically charged environments.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of some interviews and film industry activity)
• Virtual/Online (discussions about interviews published by The Independent and Entertainment Weekly originating from various locations)