Josh Brolin says Benedict Cumberbatch inspired him to take Infinity War role

Avengers: Infinity War type Movie

There may be little love between Thanos and Doctor Strange in Avengers: Infinity War, but it’s a different story off screen.

Josh Brolin revealed that Benedict Cumberbatch unwittingly inspired him to take on the role of Thanos, which he revealed during a recent interview with PEOPLE and EW editorial director Jess Cagle on Entertainment Weekly Radio.

In researching the character, Brolin stumbled upon a behind-the-scenes YouTube video of Benedict Cumberbatch acting out scenes as the dragon Smaug in The Hobbit.

“He was in this [motion capture], and he’s crawling around like a snake, snapping his tongue out doing this incredible performance,” Brolin tells Cagle. “I saw that and was like, all right, that’s the bar. This is not like bulls—t. This is something you…have to sink your teeth into conviction, embarrassment, and all this kind of stuff.

Watch the clip above for more. The Entertainment Weekly Spotlight on Josh Brolin premieres Friday at 12 p.m. ET on Entertainment Weekly Radio, SiriusXM channel 105.

Episode Recaps Previous All the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, ranked By Chancellor Agard

The ultimate Marvel Cinematic Universe binge guide By Chancellor Agard

Can you identify these Avengers stars by their yearbook photos? By Chris Cosgrove

The best girl gangs of summer 2018 movies By Seija Rankin

Every major death in the MCU, from Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame By Devan Coggan

Avengers disassembled: Breaking down the Infinity War comic book influences By Nick Romano

Every image from Avengers: Infinity War By Anthony Breznican

Avengers: Infinity War: Your essential cheat sheet to the Infinity Stones By Chancellor Agard

See all the stars at the Avengers: Infinity War world premiere By EW Staff

Get ready for Avengers: Infinity War with this character catch-up guide By Chancellor Agard

Avengers assemble in 22 Infinity War character posters By Nick Romano

Check out the gem-themed posters for Avengers: Infinity War By Anthony Breznican

New Avengers: Infinity War trailer: Decoding all the references and revelations By Anthony Breznican

Avengers: Infinity War unleashes 8 exclusive new photos By Anthony Breznican

Avengers: Infinity War: Up close with EW's 15 new covers By Anthony Breznican

Avengers: Infinity War toys showcase new villains By Nick Romano

Details of the new Avengers: Infinity War TV spot, frame by frame By Anthony Breznican

Avengers: Infinity War decoded: Exploring 40 mysteries in Marvel's new trailer By Anthony Breznican Next