Josh Brolin Nearly Became Bond Before Thanos Fame

Josh Brolin’s career might have looked very different if not for a twist of fate in the early 1980s. Before he was known for playing Thanos and Cable, Brolin came close to stepping into the shoes of one of cinema’s most iconic characters. Back in 1983, he was on the verge of becoming the next James Bond in Octopussy, only to have his hopes dashed at the last minute.

Bond Opportunity Slips Away

Brolin recently shared how he was all set to take on the role of Agent 007. He’d travelled overseas, met the key players, and even started working with the stunt team. Everything seemed lined up, with Cubby Broccoli giving him the nod. But just as he was preparing to move for the job, Roger Moore decided to return for one more film, leaving Brolin out in the cold. As Brolin put it:

[Roger Moore] was out, so I flew over and I met all the people. And I got my apartment and I started working with the stuntmen and Cubby Broccoli hired me. We hadn’t signed any papers yet. I got back to L.A. to get my stuff because I was going to be gone for a year. And I got a call saying Roger decided to do one more, and I was out.

Missing out on Bond meant Brolin’s path led elsewhere, eventually landing him major roles in the Marvel universe. Still, the thought of what might have been lingers, especially with the Bond franchise’s enduring legacy.

Brolin’s Bond Hopes Tied to Denis Villeneuve

Though he never played the British spy, Brolin’s turn as a young Agent K in Men in Black 3 showed he could handle the secret agent vibe. When asked if he’d consider a Bond film now, Brolin said he’d only be keen if Denis Villeneuve was at the helm. With Villeneuve rumoured to be involved in future Bond projects, Brolin’s interest has been piqued. He explained:

I didn’t even have to read Dune, even though I knew the story, to wanna do it with Denis; Denis is it for me. We have a very close relationship; he’s a stellar filmmaker. I like working with people I like and who are stellar filmmakers. So I have that with him, and I’m fortunate. So wherever Bond goes, it will go.

While Brolin’s days as a Bond contender may have passed, there’s still a chance he could pop up in a future film if the right director comes calling.

Henry Cavill: The Next 007?

Meanwhile, Henry Cavill has become a fan favourite for the next Bond. With his mix of physical presence, charm, and acting chops, Cavill ticks all the boxes for the role. He’s already shown his knack for playing spies, from the lead in Argylle to his smooth performance in The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Cavill’s portrayal of Gus March-Phillips in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, a character who inspired Bond, highlights his understanding of the role’s roots. His respect for the original material is clear, and that’s something punters reckon is crucial for a franchise with such a long history. Although he narrowly missed out to Daniel Craig for Casino Royale, Cavill remains a strong contender in the eyes of many.

Octopussy’s Place in Bond History

For those curious, Octopussy was directed by John Glenn and starred Roger Moore, Maud Adams, Louis Jourdan, Kristina Wayborn, and Kabir Bedi. The film scored 41% and 47% on Rotten Tomatoes and pulled in $67.9 million at the box office. It’s now available for streaming on Amazon Video in the US.

Who would you like to see as the next Bond? Let us know your pick below.