Brian Cox Unloads Blunt Criticism of Hollywood Stars in Shocking New Interview

In an interview published Friday by The Times UK, the “Succession” star openly criticized multiple A-list actors, including Johnny Depp and Ian McKellen.

Cox described Depp as “so overblown” and “so overrated,” adding that he was glad he declined the opportunity to take part in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, where the role ultimately went to Jonathan Pryce.

Brian Cox eviscerates Johnny Depp, Ian McKellen — and name drops ‘pain in the arse’ A-lister https://t.co/WDwPwEjkEO pic.twitter.com/ZzKiRF5x0K

— Page Six (@PageSix) April 3, 2026

Speaking about McKellen, whom he worked with on “X2,” Cox said his co-star’s acting is “not to my taste.”

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Cox extended his criticism to Edward Norton, calling him “a pain in the arse,” and to Kevin Spacey, whom he described as “a stupid, stupid man.”

His comments were not limited to actors. Cox also targeted several prominent filmmakers and writers.

He referred to Quentin Tarantino as “meretricious,” called Michael Caton-Jones “a complete arsehole,” and described playwright David Hare as a “see you next Tuesday.”

The actor also revisited the 2017 awards season, when Gary Oldman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for portraying Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour.”

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Cox, who portrayed Churchill in the 2017 film “Churchill,” criticized Oldman’s performance, calling it “cobblers” and “a crowd-pleasing farrago.”

Cox also commented on casting decisions in upcoming film projects, including the new adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.”

He questioned the casting of Margot Robbie in the role of Cathy, stating, “Margot Robbie is far too beautiful for that role.”

“I mean, I think there should be something more of the Gypsy about her but it’s wrong of me to judge,” he added. “It may be a brilliant film.”

In addition to his critiques of film and casting, Cox addressed a past exchange involving Daniel Day-Lewis.

The disagreement stemmed from Cox’s earlier criticism of method acting, particularly comments directed at his “Succession” co-star Jeremy Strong in 2023.

Day-Lewis, who has been cited as an influence on Strong, reportedly told Cox last year to get off his “soapbox.” When asked if he had reached out to resolve the matter, Cox dismissed the idea.

“No, I haven’t reached out because it’s got nothing to do with Dan Day-Lewis. Dan Day-Lewis, he’s discreet. He never upsets it [the filming process],” Cox said.

He also addressed Strong directly, offering both praise and criticism.

“He’s a good actor, Jeremy. He’s a wonderful actor. It’s just all the bollocks that goes with it. You watch children — they don’t say, ‘What’s my motivation?’ They just do it!”

Despite the breadth of his remarks, Cox acknowledged that his outspoken style could have consequences. When asked whether his blunt comments had cost him relationships, he responded candidly.

“Well, I don’t know yet if it’s caused me problems,” he said with a laugh. “I mean, my wife keeps saying, ‘Brian, be careful. Brian, be careful.”

Cox made clear he has little intention of changing his approach.

“I think, ‘F–k it, I don’t want to be careful anymore! I’ll be 80 this year. F–k it! I’m gonna say what I want to say.’”

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