The premiere of Outer Range Season 2 on Amazon Prime Video has reaffirmed Josh Brolin’s prowess in the western genre, with many touting it as his best television performance to date. However, despite the show’s success and Brolin’s undeniable talent in playing rugged, cowboy characters, it’s time to argue that Brolin should expand his horizons beyond westerns.
While Outer Range showcases his skill, continuing to pigeonhole him in this genre limits his versatility as an actor and misses opportunities for him to explore more diverse roles.
A Career Spanning Decades
Josh Brolin’s career spans decades, from early television appearances in the 1980s to iconic roles in blockbuster films. His portrayal of Royal Abbott in Outer Range is impressive, blending the gritty determination of a rancher with the complexities of modern sci-fi elements.
Yet, his talents are far-reaching, and confining him to westerns risks typecasting him in a way that does not fully utilize his broad range. Brolin’s filmography already includes a variety of genres, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in different cinematic landscapes.
Versatility Beyond Westerns
Outer Range has received positive reviews, with an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and Brolin’s performance is a significant factor in its success. However, his career highlights also include roles in critically acclaimed films like No Country for Old Men, True Grit, and the Dune series.
According to Screen Rant, these roles demonstrate his ability to handle complex characters in diverse settings. Brolin’s portrayal of Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe further underscores his versatility, showing he can masterfully play both heroic and villainous roles with depth and nuance.
The Risk of Typecasting
While westerns like Outer Range allow Brolin to tap into a familiar and beloved character archetype, he should not be confined to this genre alone. His work with directors like the Coen Brothers and Denis Villeneuve proves that he can deliver powerful performances in various contexts.
Expanding his repertoire would not only benefit his career but also provide audiences with a broader view of his capabilities. Brolin’s talent for embodying multifaceted characters is too great to be limited to the western genre alone.
Innovative Storytelling Potential
The acclaim for Outer Range and its peculiar mixtture of western and sci-fi elements highlights the potential for innovative storytelling. However, relying on Brolin’s western persona may hinder the exploration of new and challenging roles that can further his growth as an actor.
Brolin’s performances in films like Inherent Vice and Sicario illustrate his ability to dive into complex, morally ambiguous characters, offering rich narratives that go beyond the traditional western framework. These roles have allowed him to push boundaries and showcase his dramatic range.
Diversification as a Career Strategy
Moreover, continuing to cast Brolin predominantly in westerns risks overshadowing the broader contributions he can make to cinema. Actors who have successfully diversified their roles often enjoy longer, more dynamic careers.
For instance, Brolin’s contemporary, Leonardo DiCaprio, has avoided typecasting by selecting a wide range of roles, from historical dramas to psychological thrillers. Brolin has the potential to follow a similar path, using his established reputation to explore new genres and characters, thereby enriching his legacy in the film industry.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Typecasting
Outer Range’s success is a testament to Brolin’s exceptional talent, but it should not dictate his future trajectory. The show has proven his skill in embodying the archetypal western hero, yet his career should not be confined to this genre.
Brolin should be encouraged to seek roles that challenge him and allow him to explore different aspects of his craft. By doing so, he can avoid the pitfalls of typecasting and continue to surprise and captivate audiences with his versatility.
Expanding His Horizons
While Outer Range has solidified Josh Brolin’s status as a leading figure in modern westerns, it’s crucial for his career to evolve beyond this genre. His diverse body of work demonstrates his capacity to excel in a variety of roles, and expanding his horizons will only enhance his standing as a versatile and dynamic actor.
Brolin should embrace opportunities that push him out of his comfort zone, ensuring a lasting and impactful legacy in the film industry. It’s time for Brolin to explore new cinematic territories and redefine what it means to be a truly great actor.
