Growing up near Glasgow, Alexandra Wilkie's childhood was typical until her dance school offered an audition for a film. That film was none other than Brian Cox's directorial debut, Glenrothan. Released last week, the movie follows two warring Scottish brothers battling over their whisky distillery, tearing their family apart.
Starring Brian Cox as protagonist Sandy, the Succession star is joined by Alan Cumming, Barbie's Alexandra Shipp, and Harry Potter's Shirley Henderson. Known for his role as tyrannical media mogul Logan Roy, Cox, 79, has recently insisted he 'doesn't want to be careful anymore', criticizing 'woke culture' and taking jabs at acting elites. However, for young Alex and her mother Kim, the legendary actor has been nothing but kind, treating the 11-year-old as his own grandchild.
Recalling their first meeting, Alex told The Daily Mail: 'It was the last stage of the auditions and I just went in and they started talking to me. He is so nice and so welcoming and just so different to some of the characters he's played.' After sending a self-tape, Alex found herself in a whirlwind audition process. Upon meeting her, Brian and his wife Nicole knew she was perfect for the part.
Her mother Kim added: 'As soon as she met Brian Cox and his wife Nicole, they just loved her instantly.' While the film is set in Glasgow, Alex's character Sasha has a North American accent. Brian and Nicole sought a local actress who could master the American twang. Alex was the ideal match. 'Nicole and Brian still talk about how good her accent is throughout it,' Kim said.
'Him and his wife Nicole are just scooping her up like she was their own granddaughter. I felt so safe that I really could leave her with them instantly. They were so genuine and really caring, nothing like we thought they would be.' After six weeks of shooting near Glasgow, Brian and Nicole have kept Alex close.
Alex soon swapped the school playground for red carpets. Glenrothan premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, where Alex beamed beside Brian and Shirley under the bright lights. Reflecting on the surreal experience, the pair described attending glamorous parties with frozen champagne glasses and gourmet chocolate fountains.
Earlier this year, they attended the Palm Springs Film Festival, where they again spent time with Brian and Nicole like old friends, enjoying dinners and even accompanying Nicole on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway when Brian declined. When Alan Cumming received his star on Hollywood Boulevard during the festival, Alex decided to surprise him. 'We literally had 45 minutes and jumped in an Uber and blagged our way in,' Kim explained. 'When the Coxes and Alan saw her, they literally ran over to the security and scooped her up in big cuddles.'
Alex also bonded with co-star Alexandra Shipp, who was eager to experience Scottish wildlife. 'Me and Alexandra, we went to go see some Highland cows, so we took her up to a farm and we had a day there,' Alex said. Kim added: 'We're brought up on a farm and Alexandra Shipp said, "Can you get me into some cows? I need to see cows." So we literally spent a day driving around farms with her. She came to our farms and fed the ducks and met our horse.' When Alex and Kim arrived in LA for the Palm Springs Festival, Shipp returned the favor by picking them up in her Barbie jeep and taking them to a classic American diner. 'It just showed the strength of the friendships we have secured,' Kim remarked.
With opportunities ahead, Alex is unsure of her next move but constantly receives scripts and hopes to use her love of dance in a musical theatre role. One thing is certain: not every 11-year-old can claim friendship with Brian Cox.
