The lead actor in the new film chronicling soon-to-be ex US president George Bush said he was reluctant to take the role.

No Country for Old Men star Josh Brolin stars as US President George W Bush in Oliver Stone's film W.

The film shifts back and forth between Mr Bush's younger years and his first term in office and depicts his rise to power.

But with his popularity at an all time low, Josh Brolin said he was reluctant to take the part.

"It was hard for me to find what was attractive about this guy and I really wanted to know why 50 million people voted for him," Brolin said.

"Oliver came to me and I wasn't interested in doing this and I didn't understand what he saw in me that he that felt like I could pull this off.

"And then I read the script and I thought it was such an incredible role that I couldn't not take the challenge."

Elizabeth Banks plays First Lady Laura Bush and Thandie Newton is Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

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