Brian Cox Calls Out Major Hollywood Stars As 'Stupid' And 'Complete A*holes' In Blunt Rant

Brian Cox has taken aim at several major film stars, calling some of them 'stupid', 'overblown', and even 'complete a***holes' in a very direct and unfiltered rant.

The actor, best known for playing Logan Roy in Succession, has made it clear that he is no longer interested in holding back his opinions. He has said that reaching 80 has changed how he speaks, and he now feels free to be completely honest.

Cox has worked with many well-known names over the years, including Daniel Day-Lewis in The Boxer. At one point, he criticized method acting, which Day-Lewis is known for, and dismissed it as 'American s***', which caused some tension.

However, Day-Lewis is not the only big name Cox has spoken about. In a recent interview with The Times UK, he also shared strong views about actors such as Johnny Depp, Edward Norton, Ian McKellen, Margot Robbie, and director Quentin Tarantino.

His comments made it clear that even some of the most respected names in the industry are not immune to his criticism.

Brian Cox spoke out about Hollywood elites Photo by Adela Loconte/Variety via Getty Images

During the interview, which took place ahead of his 80th birthday on June 1, Cox said he was glad he turned down a role in the Pirates of the Caribbean films. He explained that he believes Depp is 'so overblown' and 'so overrated'.

The role eventually went to Jonathan Pryce, which Cox now seems satisfied with based on his comments.

He also spoke about his experience working with Edward Norton on the 2002 film 25th Hour, describing him as 'a pain in the a**e', showing that his frustrations were not limited to just one person.

Cox also had harsh words for Kevin Spacey, calling him 'a stupid, stupid man', even though he had previously defended him in public and referred to him as a friend.

The two had worked together on the 1994 film Iron Will, and Cox had once spoken up for Spacey during the backlash he faced in recent years.

He said Ian McKellen's acting was not to his 'liking' Photo by Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images

He also shared his thoughts on cancel culture, which became a major topic after Spacey was accused by several men of sexual misconduct in 2017.

In addition, Cox said that Ian McKellen’s acting style was 'not to his taste', despite the two having worked together in stage productions such as Richard III and King Lear.

When it came to directors, Cox did not hold back either. He described Quentin Tarantino as 'meretricious' and referred to filmmaker Michael Caton-Jones as 'a complete a***hole'.

Playwright David Hare, who Cox worked with on Skylight in 1997, was also criticized, with Cox using a strong insult during the interview.

He even commented on Jeremy Strong’s approach to method acting, calling it 'f***ing annoying', which shows that even long-time colleagues are not spared from his opinions.

Speaking to The Times, Cox reflected on his mindset and linked his honesty to getting older, saying: "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.'"

His blunt approach also extended to recent film projects, including Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, which stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

While his comments were less harsh compared to others, he still made his opinion clear in his own way.

He even mocked Robbie’s Australian accent during the discussion, jokingly shouting: "'Keith Cliff! It's me, Cathy!'"

He went all in on Edward Norton Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator

He continued the impression, adding: "'How ya doing, Keith? Awright?' 'Yeah, I'm awright!'"

Cox also suggested that Robbie might not be the right fit for the role of Cathy, saying she is 'far too beautiful' for the character, before adding: "I mean, I think there should be something more of the Gypsy about her, but it's wrong of me to judge. It may be a brilliant film."

Overall, his comments have sparked plenty of reactions, as fans and critics alike weigh in on his outspoken views and the way he has chosen to share them.