Name: Jonah Hex
Director: Jimmy Hayward
Genre: action
Released: 2010-03-09
Cast: John Malkovich, Josh Brolin, Megan Fox, Michael Fassbender

CMDB Review

5/10

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Overview

Jonah Hex Storyline

Based on the cult DC Comics anti-hero, Jonah Hex brings the gritty world of post-Civil War America to the big screen with a supernatural twist. Josh Brolin stars as Jonah Hex, a disfigured Confederate soldier turned bounty hunter, who’s haunted by his past and literally brought back from the brink of death.

Gifted (or cursed) with the ability to communicate with the dead, Hex is recruited by the U.S. military to stop a terrorist plot led by Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich), a war criminal with a vendetta against Hex and a plan to use a doomsday weapon against the United States.

With a steampunk aesthetic, occult elements, and a gun-slinging edge, Jonah Hex attempts to fuse comic book flair with western grit.

action

Jonah Hex Details Director, release, studio & more

Director: Jimmy Hayward
Release: 03/09/2010
Runtime: 1 hr 38 min
Studio: Array
Content rating: 15
Universe: DC Comics Extended Universe
Last Updated: 12 May 2026

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Who's In It

Cast of Jonah Hex

Josh Brolin Jonah Hex

John Malkovich

Megan Fox Lilah Black

Michael Fassbender Burke

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Trailer & Media

CMDB Review

Jonah Hex Review 5/10

We have rated this 5 out of 10. While we appreciate the ambition and the source material behind Jonah Hex, the final product is unfortunately a bit of a misfire. Josh Brolin brings grit and gravitas to the role, and the film’s eerie tone and supernatural concepts are compelling on paper — but the execution feels rushed, with a runtime under 80 minutes that doesn’t leave room for much depth.

There are flashes of greatness: Michael Fassbender’s sadistic turn as Burke is memorable, and some of the visuals — like the dreamlike conversations with the dead — hint at the darker, more experimental movie this could’ve been. Megan Fox’s character, while underwritten, adds a bit of pulp romance to the mix.

But the narrative feels choppy, the villain’s motives thin, and the action sequences never quite land. It’s a shame, because Jonah Hex as a character has a rich, weird mythology in the comics that deserved a more fleshed-out adaptation.

For hardcore fans of the anti-hero or completists of DC’s cinematic history, it’s worth a watch — but don’t expect a masterpiece.

Did You Know?

Based on a DC Classic: Jonah Hex first appeared in All-Star Western #10 (1972) and has long been one of DC’s most enduring anti-heroes.
Heavy Cuts: The film was originally longer and reportedly had a more complex plot, but studio interference led to massive re-edits and reshoots.
Original Directors Left: The writing/directing duo Neveldine/Taylor (of Crank) were originally set to direct the film but left due to creative differences, though they retained writing credits.
Short Runtime: Jonah Hex clocks in at just 81 minutes (with credits), making it one of the shortest mainstream comic book movies ever released.
Josh Brolin’s Commitment: Brolin spent hours in the makeup chair daily to portray Hex’s scarred face — and even had to wear a mouth prosthetic that made speaking difficult.
Crossover Hints: At one point, Warner Bros. considered tying this film into a larger DC Universe, but the idea was dropped after the movie’s poor performance.
Critical Flop, Cult Following: While the film was widely panned, some fans appreciate its oddball, pulpy style and have championed it as a guilty pleasure.
Soundtrack Surprise: The film’s score was composed by Mastodon, the metal band, giving the movie a unique sonic backdrop — though much of their original music was cut or altered in post.
Megan Fox’s Role Was Expanded: Originally a minor character, Lilah’s part was enlarged after casting Fox to capitalize on her popularity at the time.
The Animated Redemption: In 2010, DC released a short animated film, Jonah Hex, as part of their DC Showcase series — and many fans consider it a better adaptation than the live-action film.