In a characteristically forthright interview, veteran Scottish actor Brian Cox has launched a scathing critique of several high-profile Hollywood figures and the pervasive influence of the patriarchy. The 79-year-old star of the hit series 'Succession' did not hold back in his conversation with The Times of London, promoting his directorial debut, 'Glenrothan'.
A Blunt Assessment of Hollywood Peers
Cox revealed he once turned down a role in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise, expressing relief at avoiding collaboration with Johnny Depp. He described Depp as "so overblown, so overrated," offering a typically unvarnished opinion.
The actor then delivered sharp criticisms of several former co-stars. He labeled Edward Norton, his colleague in '25th Hour', as "a pain in the arse." Reflecting on working with Kevin Spacey in 'Iron Will', Cox called him "a stupid, stupid man." He also offered a critique of Ian McKellen's acting in their 'King Lear' production, stating it was "not to my taste."
Tarantino and the Cost of Candour
Even without having worked directly with him, Cox did not spare acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino, describing him as "meretricious." When questioned about whether his bluntness has damaged relationships or caused professional difficulties, Cox responded with characteristic defiance.
"Well, I don't know yet if it's caused me problems," he laughed. "My wife keeps saying, 'Brian, be careful. Brian, be careful.' I think, 'F*** it, I don't want to be careful any more! I'll be 80 this year. F*** it! I'm gonna say what I want to say.'"
Confronting the 'Insidious Patriarchy'
Beyond Hollywood personalities, Cox directed his criticism toward broader societal structures, particularly what he termed the "invasive and insidious" patriarchy. He argued passionately for greater female representation in political power, citing specific examples from recent history.
"I think it's an economic thing. In America they don't like women. They won't let a woman be president, not in the foreseeable future," Cox stated, referencing Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential loss to Donald Trump.
He elaborated further: "The patriarchy is so invasive and so insidious, it's hard to throw it off. I think the patriarchy is a f***ing mess, and it's the patriarchy that got us into the position that we're in at the moment, and we don't learn the lessons. I say, give it over to the women."
A New Chapter with 'Glenrothan'
Amidst these fiery pronouncements, Cox is preparing to release his first directed film, 'Glenrothan', a comedy-drama in which he also stars alongside Alan Cumming. Described by Cox as a "love letter to Scotland," the film tells the story of Donal (Cumming), who returns to his family's whiskey distillery in the Scottish Highlands after 35 years in the United States to reconcile with his brother, Sandy (Cox).
The film is scheduled for release in theatres across the United Kingdom and Ireland on April 17, marking a significant new chapter in Cox's prolific career. Representatives for Johnny Depp, Edward Norton, Kevin Spacey, Ian McKellen, and Quentin Tarantino have been contacted for comment regarding Cox's statements, though no responses have been publicly disclosed at this time.
