An Oscar-nominated Hollywood star has described United States President Donald Trump as a 'genius' while reminiscing about their former close friendship, which has since faded.
From Film Set Friends to Political Divide
Josh Brolin, known for his roles as Thanos in The Avengers and now in the new Knives Out film Wake Up Dead Man, was once close to the future President. The pair first met 15 years ago on the set of Oliver Stone's Wall Street 2 in 2010. Brolin played the head of an investment bank, while Trump filmed a cameo that was later cut from the movie.
Their contact reportedly dwindled as Trump transitioned from New York real estate into the political arena, winning his first presidential term six years after their initial meeting.
'I'm Not Scared of Trump,' Says Brolin
In a candid recent interview with The Independent to promote his Netflix franchise role, the 57-year-old actor stated he feels no fear towards his old friend. "I'm not scared of Trump, because even though he says he's staying for ever it's just not going to happen. And if it does then I'll deal with that moment," Brolin said.
This appears to be a reference to ongoing debates about whether President Trump might seek an unprecedented third term in 2028, despite the 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two elected terms. Trump has previously noted his awareness of potential 'methods' to remain in the White House.
A 'Different Guy' and a Marketing Genius
Brolin was keen to distinguish between the man he knew and the political figure of today. "But having been a friend of Trump before he was the President, I know a different guy," he explained, implying a significant divergence in their values since 2010.
However, the actor did not hold back his professional admiration for Trump's prowess in one specific area. "There is no greater genius than him in marketing," Brolin asserted. "He takes the weakness of the general population and fills it. That's why I think a lot of people feel that they have a mascot in him."
He elaborated that the phenomenon is "much less about Trump than it is about the general population and their need for validation."
In his latest role in Wake Up Dead Man, Brolin plays a fiery religious speaker named Messenger Jefferson Wicks, a character he describes as someone who, once he "garners a sense of power, then there are no boundaries."
This is not the first time Brolin has spoken about the ended friendship. In a 2024 interview on Graham Bensinger's YouTube channel, he confirmed he was "no longer friends" with Donald and Melania Trump. During that conversation, he also recalled visiting Trump's New York apartment, the same location from which Trump said he watched the events of September 11 unfold.
Josh Brolin earned his Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the 2008 film Milk, a category won that year by the late Heath Ledger.
