Josh Brolin, known for his stellar performances in Avengers: Infinity War as Thanos, Deadpool 2 as Cable, and other geek culture films like Dune and Men in Black 3, recently shared a humorous yet relatable challenge he faces at fan conventions. Despite his imposing screen presence, Brolin admits he sometimes finds himself stumped by the intense and thought-provoking questions posed by die-hard fans.
The Graham Norton Show Revelation
During a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, where he shared the stage with Cher, Michael Fassbender, and Keira Knightley, Brolin opened up about his experiences at comic conventions. While Fassbender, celebrated for his portrayal of Magneto in the X-Men series, discussed his interactions with fans, Brolin recounted how some encounters left him scratching his head.
He shared one particular moment:
“They’re true fans, which is great. But then a fan will come up and very seriously say, ‘Did you ever realize that if you had the power to kill half the universe, you probably also had the power to create twice the resources?’ Super smart! And then you’re like, ‘Next!’”
Why Fans Ask Such Questions
For fans, engaging with actors at conventions is often about more than just admiration—it’s an opportunity to dive deep into the lore and explore unanswered questions. Brolin, however, finds himself at a disadvantage, as his job is to embody the character on screen, not to analyze their decisions or motives.
This particular fan query about Thanos reflects a broader critique of the Avengers villain’s logic: why eliminate half of life in the universe when you could solve the problem by simply doubling its resources? While it’s a valid point, it’s worth noting that Thanos’ actions were inspired by the Infinity Gauntlet comics by Jim Starlin, where his motivations were tied to his obsession with impressing the cosmic entity Death, rather than purely logical reasoning.
Josh Brolin’s Relatable Frustration
Brolin’s anecdote is reminiscent of an infamous story involving Ben Affleck on the set of Armageddon. Affleck reportedly questioned director Michael Bay on why it wouldn’t be easier to train astronauts to drill than to teach drillers to become astronauts, only to be told, “Shut the f*** up.”
Similarly, Brolin’s experience highlights that actors aren’t responsible for every detail of the story—they bring the script to life but don’t necessarily write or analyze it.
What Does This Say About Thanos?
Thanos’ choice to erase half of all life rather than create abundance reflects his fatalistic worldview. As Brolin aptly portrayed in Infinity War, Thanos sees destruction as the only viable solution to the universe’s overpopulation. To him, it’s not about resource availability but about maintaining a cosmic balance. This mindset reveals the character’s tragic flaw: his inability to see beyond immediate, destructive solutions.
A Tip for Comic-Con Attendees
While Brolin appreciates fan enthusiasm, his story offers a lighthearted suggestion for convention-goers: keep the questions fun and simple. Instead of trying to stump the actor with a galaxy-sized conundrum, a heartfelt compliment or a quick note of appreciation for his work might make for a more enjoyable interaction.
Josh Brolin’s Legacy in Geek Culture
From the Avengers franchise to Deadpool and Dune, Josh Brolin has cemented his place as a beloved figure in geek culture. His openness about the quirks of fandom makes him even more relatable to fans. So, if you ever meet him at a convention, remember—show some love, but maybe save the philosophical debates for another time!
