Josh Brolin could soon be adding another iconic villain to his resume as he hints at the possibility of portraying Darkseid, the powerful cosmic antagonist from the DC Universe. Following his renowned performance as Thanos, Brolin is reportedly exploring roles within DC Studios, raising interest from fans and industry peers alike.
Having made waves as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brolin remains one of the most celebrated figures within the superhero film genre. His portrayal of the Mad Titan has often been regarded as one of the finest representations of villainy on the big screen, putting him alongside legendary characters like Darth Vader and Khan. Recently, after he declined the chance to portray Hal Jordan, DC Studios continued discussions with Brolin, who may be angling for the role of Darkseid.
The character Darkseid, originally created by Jack Kirby as part of his New Gods series back in 1970, stands as one of the most formidable villains within the DC Comics universe. While the New Gods series didn’t last long, Darkseid’s name continued to resonate, solidifying his presence as DC's ultimate evil. This villainous figure eventually inspired Marvel to create Thanos, showcasing the intertwining legacies and rival dynamics between the two comic book powerhouses. Both characters, replete with their dominion-driven narratives and complex motivations, highlight the seemingly ever-present challenges of translating such powerful presences from the page to the screen.
Brolin recently shared on his Instagram stories artwork from famed artist BossLogic, depicting him as Darkseid. This action fueled speculations about his interest or potential negotiations surrounding the character, prompting discussions about whether Brolin could bring the same depth and intensity to Darkseid as he did with Thanos. "Josh Brolin will go down in history as one of the greatest cinematic sci-fi villains of all time after playing Thanos," another quote asserts, illustrating the high expectations surrounding any role he takes on.
Despite the allure of playing Darkseid, some fans and analysts believe Brolin's background as Thanos presents solutions for casting adaptations. Fellow actors like Keith David have been suggested as the voice of Darkseid, bringing their unique charisma and gravitas to the character. Others, like Javier Bardem, are cited for their capacity to perform both voice work and physical performances for larger-than-life characters, possibly appealing to directors seeking someone who can handle action as well as vocal gravitas.
The speculation uncovers the question: Could superhero films benefit from variety rather than repeating narratives of previous successes? Brolin's legacy with Thanos doesn't necessarily pigeonhole him as constrained to similar characters, and his crossover to another iconic figure within the superhero universe could risk overshadowing his former role. There's also discussion about potential future projects under the newly revitalized DC direction and whether Darkseid will factor back onto the big screen, especially after Warner Brothers' cancellation of the New Gods film previously directed by Ava DuVernay.
While Brolin's inclination toward Darkseid may hint at future opportunities, sentiments surfacing advocate for him to take on the character of Deathstroke instead. "If Josh Brolin wants to be a bad guy in the DCU, we think he’d be muchbetter Deathstroke. Someone, please cast him forthat. He’d be perfection," remarks the article. Deathstroke, another significant antagonist within the DC Universe, provides ample material both for interpretation and character exploration, presenting opportunities for Brolin to step beyond the shadow of Thanos and introduce himself as yet another memorable villain.
Regardless of which path Josh Brolin chooses, fans can anticipate the excitement these discussions spark. Whether as Darkseid or Deathstroke, Brolin’s participation could redefine villain portrayals within the DC Universe, contributing to the larger narrative arc of cosmic conflict extending across franchises. For now, the potential remains tantalizing, encouraging conversation not only about casting but about the very future of superhero storytelling as shared by both DC and Marvel.