Brian Cox Unleashes Blunt Criticism of Hollywood Stars Ahead of 80th Birthday

Veteran actor Brian Cox has delivered a series of blunt critiques of fellow actors and filmmakers in a new interview, saying he no longer feels the need to hold back as he approaches his 80th birthday.

Speaking to The Times in an interview published April 3, the 79-year-old Succession star said, “I’m gonna say what I want to say,” adding that he is unconcerned about potential backlash.

Cox drew particular attention for his comments on the upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell. Although he acknowledged he has not seen the film, he criticized the casting of Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw. Mocking Robbie’s Australian background with a parody accent, Cox suggested she is “far too beautiful” for the role and argued the character should have “something more of the Gypsy about her.” He added, however, that the film “may be a brilliant” production.

The interview also included criticism of several high-profile figures in the entertainment industry. Cox reiterated his long-standing view that Johnny Depp is “overblown” and “overrated,” and said he had previously declined a role in Pirates of the Caribbean to avoid working with him. He described director Quentin Tarantino’s work as “meretricious,” saying it prioritizes style over substance and reflects the filmmaker more than the actors.

Reflecting on past collaborations, Cox called actor Edward Norton a “pain in the arse” and again criticized Succession co-star Jeremy Strong’s method acting approach as “annoying,” while acknowledging Strong’s talent. He also said Ian McKellen’s performances are “not to my taste,” and referred to Kevin Spacey as a “stupid, stupid man.”

Beyond the film industry, Cox briefly addressed politics, criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump and attributing his behavior to “sheer greed.”

Cox noted that his wife has cautioned him about speaking so openly, but he indicated he has little interest in moderating his views. “I don’t want to be careful anymore,” he said. “I’ll be 80 this year.”