# In 1999, Josh Brolin was the only one “cheap enough” to play a role. He’s regretted it ever since

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1999-josh-brolin-was-the-only-one-cheap-enough-to-play-a-role-hes-regretted-it-ever-since/
- Published: 2026-11-11T00:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T01:23:01+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/josh-brolin-only-one-cheap-enough-to-play-a-role-regretted-ever-since/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Brolin thinks he got *Hollow Man* because he was cheap.
- He says he disliked making the film.
- *No Country for Old Men* helped change his career.

## Summary

Josh Brolin said he believes he was cast in *Hollow Man* because the other candidates turned it down and he was affordable. Although the role gave him work after a difficult period in his career, he disliked the experience and felt he had been chosen as a budget option.

Brolin auditioned for the supporting role of Elizabeth Shue’s boyfriend in Paul Verhoeven’s film, released in 2000 with Kevin Bacon starring. He later recalled being patronised on set when Bacon praised his acting, and said he had feared being seen as past his prime. His fortunes changed with *No Country for Old Men* in 2007, followed by an Academy Award nomination for *Milk*; he has since appeared in films including *True Grit*, *Sicario*, *Dune* and *The Avengers*.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.