Josh Brolin won’t stop winning with two massive releases this week, and streaming giants can’t get enough of his performances

Josh Brolin Movies are dominating entertainment this week with the arrival of Knives Out 3: Wake Up Dead Man on Netflix and The Running Man becoming available for digital rental. The Hollywood veteran shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. Two major films hit screens and streaming simultaneously, giving fans unprecedented access to Brolin’s diverse range of roles. His winning streak continues to redefine his career trajectory in remarkable ways.

Josh Brolin Movies Dominate Entertainment Week

Josh Brolin has cemented himself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after character actors. This week marks a remarkable convergence of his talent across streaming and theatrical platforms. The 57-year-old performer channels different personas across two entirely disparate genres. His 2025 slate demonstrates his range and staying power in an increasingly competitive industry.

The actor’s portfolio spans superhero franchises, crime thrillers, and sci-fi adventures effortlessly. Audiences continue discovering why directors keep casting him in pivotal roles. His career encompasses decades of award-winning performances and critical acclaim. Netflix and digital platforms now showcase his latest ventures simultaneously this December.

Wake Up Dead Man Knives Out 3 Arrives on Netflix

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery officially launched on Netflix on December 12, 2025 following limited theatrical release on November 26, 2025. Director Rian Johnson returns to craft another twisted mystery featuring detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. The film sets a dark tone unmatched by previous Knives Out installments, critics confirm. An impossible murder at a small-town church frames the central puzzle this time around.

Josh Brolin commands scenes as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, an angry fundamentalist who preaches hateful ideology inside the church walls. The ensemble cast includes Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, and Josh O’Connor in pivotal roles. The film received 7.6/10 rating on IMDB from over 31,000 users. Critics praised the darkest mystery Benoit Blanc has tackled yet.

The Running Man Hits PVOD December 16

The Running Man remake directed by Edgar Wright arrived in US theaters on November 14, 2025 and comes to premium video-on-demand platforms on Tuesday, December 16 via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards in this dystopian thriller adapted from Stephen King‘s 1982 novel written under his Richard Bachman pseudonym. The runtime totals 133 minutes.

Josh Brolin appears alongside Powell in this high-octane sci-fi action film set in a futuristic dystopia. Edgar Wright‘s directorial vision brings kinetic energy and visual flair to the source material. Although Josh Brolin did not appear in the original 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, his involvement modernizes the adaptation. The digital release expands access for audiences unable to catch theatrical screenings.

Film	Release Platform	Availability
Wake Up Dead Man	Netflix	Now Streaming
The Running Man	PVOD (Amazon, Apple, Fandango)	December 16, 2025

Josh Brolin’s Career Achievement and Legacy

The actor gained worldwide recognition portraying Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe from 2014 to 2019 across films including Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. His motion-capture performance earned a Saturn Award, MTV Movie & TV Award, and two Washington D.C. Film Critics Association awards. Hollywood insiders frequently cite his Thanos role among the greatest villain performances in cinema history.

Beyond superhero franchises, Josh Brolin delivered career-defining turns in films like No Country for Old Men, where he played Llewelyn Moss with menacing intensity. He has collaborated with prestigious directors including Joel and Ethan Coen, Denis Villeneuve, and now Rian Johnson. After playing Thanos, he told his agent he needed to explore diverse character-driven roles. His trajectory demonstrates intentional career choices beyond blockbuster franchises seeking substance and artistry.

“A twisted whodunit led by a most intriguing cast, Wake up Dead Man jolts the Knives Out franchise and delivers its best mystery yet.”

— Rotten Tomatoes, Critical Consensus

What Makes This Week Essential Entertainment Viewing?

The simultaneous availability of two Josh Brolin films across different platforms creates unprecedented viewing opportunities for fans. Netflix subscribers gain immediate access to Rian Johnson‘s darkest mystery without waiting, while those preferring theatrical-quality viewing experience can rent The Running Man on PVOD. Josh Brolin‘s 2025 slate demonstrates his ability to anchor prestige projects and commercial tentpoles equally.

Both films present Josh Brolin in morally compromised or darkly comedic roles that showcase range rarely seen from supporting actors. Wake Up Dead Man marks the third collaboration between Daniel Craig‘s detective and Rian Johnson‘s distinctive directorial voice. The Running Man represents Edgar Wright‘s ambitious reimagining of beloved source material. Entertainment observers recognize this convergence as emblematic of Brolin’s career renaissance and continued relevance at mid-stage career.

Sources

• Netflix – Wake Up Dead Man official release information
• Rotten Tomatoes – Critical consensus and audience scores
• Forbes – The Running Man streaming release date confirmation