My Ultimate DC Universe Casting for Josh Brolin Beyond Darkseid

Josh Brolin, known for his portrayal of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), brings substantial talent that could be effectively utilized in the DC Universe (DCU) as a villain. However, casting him as Darkseid may not be the best move. The DCU is rapidly evolving, with numerous actors confirmed for upcoming projects even before its inaugural film premieres in theaters. With the finale of Creature Commandos serving as a bridge to this new era, the DCU has already announced key performers for anticipated titles like Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Major characters including Batman, Starfire, and Dick Grayson have also been confirmed to appear.

The excitement for fan-castings in the DCU is at an all-time high. While Batman made a role in episode six of Creature Commandos, the dark knight has yet to be officially cast. Similarly, Wonder Woman’s brief appearance in Circe’s apocalyptic vision in episode four has left casting updates for her character under wraps. Given the DCU’s swift introduction of iconic characters, it is plausible that a formidable villain like Darkseid could arrive sooner rather than later. Yet, while many might consider Brolin to fit the role of Darkseid perfectly, there is a compelling case for introducing a different villain first.

Josh Brolin: A Prime Contender for DCU Villain Roles

A Veteran in Comic Book Films

James Gunn’s DCU is selecting actors with impressive backgrounds in superhero films. Edi Gathegi portrays Mister Terrific; he previously played Darwin in X-Men: First Class. Isabela Merced, known for role as Anya Corazón a.k.a. Araña in Sony’s Madame Web, steps into Hawkgirl’s shoes. Jason Momoa, having portrayed Aquaman in multiple DCEU films, is now part of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Moreover, Frank Grillo transitioned from his role as Crossbones in the MCU to take on Rick Flag Sr. in the DCU. This trend opens the door for Brolin to possibly join the DCU as Darkseid if interest is mutual.

Recently, on January 7, 2025, Brolin piqued interest by sharing a fan-made image of himself as Darkseid on Instagram, hinting at his enthusiasm for the role. His portrayal of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame solidified his status as a significant villain in the realm of sci-fi cinema. However, Brolin has not solely been defined by Thanos; he also took on the character of Cable in Deadpool 2 and played the title role in the critically panned Jonah Hex—a 2010 DC film.

Risks of Typecasting: Darkseid Too Similar to Thanos

Avoiding the Obvious Choice

Brolin’s exceptional portrayal of Thanos, shaped by the masterful direction of the Russo Brothers and the captivating writing of Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, has rendered Thanos one of Marvel’s most captivating villains. Thanos was ruthless yet calculated, prompting audiences to question his underlying motives. Consequently, casting Brolin as Darkseid poses the challenge of finding originality in the character to avoid echoes of his Thanos performance. A new approach is essential to differentiate an essential villain like Darkseid from previous roles.

Although Darkseid first appeared in comic lore before Thanos, the latter’s cultural footprint has overshadowed the former largely due to Brolin’s memorable performance. Both characters share an allure based on power and a philosophical veneer, yet their similarities could confound audiences if portrayed by the same actor. This narrative alignment might lead to creative constraints on Brolin’s portrayal of Darkseid, making it challenging to craft a distinctive interpretation.

Exploring New Villain Options: Brainiac as the Ideal Choice

The Case for Brolin as Brainiac

Josh Brolin as Brainiac — Custom image by Nicolas Ayala

While Brolin’s talent aligns perfectly with Darkseid, he could deliver a refreshing take on a different villain: Brainiac. Brainiac embodies the traits of cunning, intellect, and ambition for supremacy, making him a fitting candidate for Brolin’s skill set. The character’s philosophical justifications for his actions render him a complex antagonist, and intriguingly, Brainiac has never graced the screen in a live-action DC film. This absence creates a unique opportunity for Brolin to establish a significant legacy within the DCU.

Brainiac has been acknowledged in previous DC films, including a subtle nod in Man of Steel showcasing his iconic three-dot insignia. Additionally, he was portrayed in the 2018 series Krypton by Blake Ritson. Brainiac could have also surfaced in previous Superman projects, notably Superman III and a planned but ultimately canceled sequel to Superman Returns. As the DCU pushes towards a more expansive universe, the likelihood of Brainiac making his cinematic debut looms larger than ever, and Josh Brolin could be a definitive pick for this character.

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