Before the announcement that Johnny Wayward was taking over directing duties from Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, it has been long rumored that Josh Brolin would be playing the disfigured comic book western anti-hero in the upcoming movie.  According to Cinematical.com,  after hearing of Wayward as a directing replacement, Brolin was asked what he would bring as the new director, Brolin replied, “Brilliance”.  Though citing his love for Neveldine and Taylor, Brolin continued his praise for Wayward as “amazing” and will “bring something truly unique”.

http://www.cinematical.com/2009/01/07/guess-josh-brolin-is-jonah-hex-after-all/