Josh Brolin says he sobbed after finishing his role in Whalefall, and has teased an "undeniable" script for Sicario 3. The actor spoke to The Hollywood Reporter as Whalefall opened in theatres on Friday.
In Brian Duffield's survival thriller, based on Daniel Kraus's 2023 novel, Austin Abrams plays a diver who treks into deep water looking for the remains of his father, played by Brolin. Elisabeth Shue also stars, marking a Hollow Man reunion with Brolin.
Brolin had read Kraus's novel before agreeing to play the father, Mitt Gardiner. He told The Hollywood Reporter he wept when he finished filming, as both a father and a son, saying that reaction was "the buildup of that inside me." In the same interview, Brolin reflected on the cancellation of Outer Range and provided an update on Sicario 3.
Brolin confirmed that production starts next year and praised Steven Knight's script, calling it "undeniable." Knight, the Peaky Blinders creator who is also writing the next James Bond film, replaces Taylor Sheridan. Brolin returns as CIA operative Matt Graver, alongside Benicio del Toro and Emily Blunt, who returns to the franchise after missing the 2018 sequel.
The actor noted that the emotional weight of the Whalefall narrative was particularly intense due to the themes of loss and reconciliation. He emphasized that the physical demands of the shoot, combined with the heavy subject matter, created a unique environment for the cast and crew.
Fans have expressed excitement about his return to the Sicario franchise, which remains one of his most acclaimed roles. As the film industry continues to evolve, Brolin remains a central figure, balancing high-stakes action roles with deeply personal character studies.
His commitment to the craft is evident in his choice of projects, ranging from intense survival dramas to complex political thrillers. The upcoming year promises to be a busy one for the star as he transitions between these diverse cinematic worlds.