Brian Cox Unleashed: ‘Succession’ Star Slams Johnny Depp, Ian McKellen, and More in Scathing Interview
Brian Cox is no stranger to unfiltered honesty, but his latest interview with The Times UK has set the entertainment world ablaze. The 79-year-old Succession star didn’t hold back, delivering a wide-ranging critique of some of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors and directors. From dismissing Oscar winners to questioning casting choices, Cox’s remarks offer a raw appear at his perspective on the current state of the industry.
The A-List Broadside: ‘Overrated’ and ‘A Pain in the Arse’
Cox took several high-profile actors to task, focusing heavily on those he believes are overrated or tough to work with. Among his primary targets was Johnny Depp, whom Cox described as “so overblown” and “so overrated.” Cox revealed that he specifically turned down a role in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise—originally played by Jonathan Pryce—as he didn’t desire to work with Depp.
The critiques didn’t stop with Depp. Cox shared his thoughts on other veteran actors and co-stars:
- Edward Norton: Cox bluntly labeled the actor “a pain in the arse.”
- Ian McKellen: While slightly more reserved, Cox noted that his X2 co-star’s acting style is simply “not to my taste.”
- Kevin Spacey: Cox described Spacey as “a stupid, stupid man.”
- Jeremy Strong: Cox referred to his Succession co-star as “f***ing annoying.”
The Oscar Dispute: Gary Oldman and ‘Darkest Hour’
One of the most pointed portions of the interview focused on the portrayal of Winston Churchill. Having played the UK Prime Minister himself in the 2017 biopic Churchill, Cox expressed strong disagreement with Gary Oldman’s Academy Award-winning performance in Darkest Hour. Cox dismissed Oldman’s work as “cobblers” (Scottish slang for nonsense) and called it a “crowd-pleasing farrago.”
Directorial Critiques and Casting Controversies
Cox’s wrath extended beyond actors to those behind the camera. He described director Quentin Tarantino as “meretricious,” arguing that Tarantino’s films lack integrity because the director’s vision completely overshadows the actors’ performances. Cox stated, “what you see is all Quentin Tarantino.” He also called Michael Caton-Jones “a complete arsehole” and referred to David Hare as a “see you next Tuesday.”
Turning to casting, Cox voiced his disapproval of Margot Robbie being cast as Cathy in the new adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Despite the film being one of his favorites, Cox believes Robbie is “far too beautiful for that role.”
Political Jabs and Final Thoughts
In a wide-ranging discussion that touched on more than just cinema, Cox also took a swipe at politics, stating that Donald Trump “doesn’t give a shit about the people.”
Key Takeaways from the Brian Cox Interview
- Johnny Depp: Labeled “overrated” and “overblown”. Cox avoided working with him in Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Gary Oldman: His Oscar-winning Churchill performance was called “cobblers” by Cox.
- Quentin Tarantino: Criticized as “meretricious” for dominating his actors’ performances.
- Margot Robbie: Deemed “too beautiful” for the role of Cathy in Wuthering Heights.
- Industry Peers: Edward Norton and Jeremy Strong were both singled out for being difficult or annoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Brian Cox turn down the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise?
Cox stated he declined the role because he did not want to work with Johnny Depp, whom he considers overrated.
What does Cox feel of Gary Oldman’s performance in Darkest Hour?
He described the performance as “cobblers” and a “crowd-pleasing farrago,” expressing a preference for his own approach to playing Winston Churchill.
Who else did Brian Cox criticize in the interview?
In addition to actors like Ian McKellen and Kevin Spacey, he criticized directors Quentin Tarantino and Michael Caton-Jones, writer David Hare, and politician Donald Trump.
As Cox continues to be one of the most outspoken figures in the industry, his willingness to challenge the “untouchable” status of Hollywood A-listers ensures that he remains a polarizing yet essential voice in pop culture critique.
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