Josh Brolin Praises Robert Downey Jr.’s Sobriety Journey After Reuniting at Broadway Show: ‘Love You, Pal’

Mar. 15, 2025

Josh Brolin (second from right) and Robert Downey Jr. (middle) pose alongside Donald Mustard and filmmakers Anthony Russo and Joseph Russo in a photo shared on Oct. 18, 2024.Photo:Josh Brolin/Instagram

Josh Brolin/Instagram

Josh Brolinis giving his friendRobert Downey Jr.his flowers after witnessing his “astounding” Broadway performance inMcNeal.

TheDune: Part Twoactor, 56, shared a message of support to Instagram on Friday, Oct. 18, after checking out his formerAvengers: Endgamecostar’s latest role on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in New York City.

The show, which runs through Nov. 24, stars Downey, 59, as writer Jacob McNeal, who “has an estranged son, a new novel, old axes to grind and an unhealthy fascination with Artificial Intelligence,” per a synopsis.

“Thanks, Downey, for continuing to find the most soul challenging roads in sobriety,” Brolin wrote. “You are a pinnacle of the power of example of how to ultimately best live what this life can provide. Love you, pal. 💎💎💎.”

The pair last worked together onAvengers: Endgamein 2019, and they have shared the screen on three total films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including 2018’sInfinity Warand 2015’sAge of Ultron.

Downeymade his debut in the Lincoln Center Theater productionfrom Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar on Sept. 30. He has since seen praise from plenty of famous faces.Johnny Deppsaluted his friend on Instagram on Oct. 3, calling Downey’s Broadway debut “outstanding” and encouraging fans to check it out.

“Most fortunate to witness my dear, brilliant friend Bob Downey and the superb cast of ‘McNeal’ last night at @lctheater,” he wrote at the time. “Outstanding! Go see it if you can!!!”

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From left: Josh Brolin, Chris Hemsworth and Robert Downey Jr. at D23 in July 2017.Image Group LA via Getty

Image Group LA via Getty

In addition to Downey,McNeal’s cast includes Brittany Bellizeare, Rafi Gavron,Melora Hardin,Andrea Martin,Ruthie Ann Milesand Saisha Talwar.

“I am making my Broadway debut in the new playMcNealat Lincoln Center Theater! I knew I wanted to do Ayad’s new play before I was done reading it, then hearing Bart would be directing at the Beaumont theater sealed the deal,” he wrote. “It’s been 40 years since I was last on ‘the boards,’ but hopefully I’ll knock the dust off quick.McNealis a timely and important story about the future of creatives, and I intend to do it justice.”

McNealis currently set for a limited run until Nov. 24.

source: people.com