Josh Brolin Joins Ensemble For Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Inherent Vice’

Just when you think the cast for Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice can’t get any better, it does. Actor and frequent Sean Penn collaborator Josh Brolin has just secured a role in what’s looking to be an exceptionally crafted ensemble.

According to a report by Deadline, Josh Brolin has signed on for a key role in the film. That said, it isn’t yet known who he will be playing or the details surrounding his character’s involvement. What we do know is that the plot follows Joaquin Phoenix as Larry ‘Doc’ Sportello, who is a pot-smoking detective that’s put on a kidnapping case in the ’70s in Los Angeles.

Production is said to have already started on Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film Inherent Vice, so the addition of Josh Brolin threw us off a bit, but it’s one that’s welcomed. The film, which is led by The Master’s Joaquin Phoenix, also stars Sean Penn, Owen Wilson, Benicio Del Toro, Reese Witherspoon, Jena Malone, Martin Short and Kevin O’Conner.

One of two things can happen with a cast this terrific. The film can appear too bloated, with Anderson not being able to cull the talents equally, or this could be one of the best films on Anderson’s resume. Seeing as Paul Thomas Anderson has balanced performances in There Will Be Blood and The Master, our hopes are high for this one.

Inherent Vice is set to shoot through most of the summer and will be backed by Warner Bros studio. In addition to Inherent Vice, Brolin has a full plate on his hands, with Sin City: A Dame To Kill For, Jason Reitman’s Labor Day (which has already sparked some exciting buzz), and Spike Lee’s Oldboy. While Sin City has been looking to get off the ground for years, his other two projects look just as exciting and different.