Brian Cox Unleashes Candid Critique of Hollywood A-Listers

Veteran actor calls Johnny Depp 'overblown' and 'overrated', says Edward Norton is 'a pain', and Jeremy Strong's method acting is 'annoying'

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:10pm

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An abstract macro photograph featuring a dramatic close-up of shattered glass and glittering sequins, conveying the glamour and excess of Hollywood celebrity culture.Brian Cox's candid critique of Hollywood's elite exposes the underlying tensions and egos that can dominate the entertainment industry.Los Angeles Today

In a no-holds-barred interview, acclaimed actor Brian Cox shared his unfiltered opinions on several prominent Hollywood figures, including Johnny Depp, Edward Norton, Kevin Spacey, and his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong. Cox, who is nearing 80, expressed his newfound freedom to openly criticize what he sees as 'stupid,' 'overblown,' and 'complete a***holes' in the entertainment industry.

Why it matters

Brian Cox's candid critiques of some of Hollywood's biggest names have sparked a wider conversation about the industry's culture and the role of method acting. As a respected veteran actor, Cox's comments carry weight and provide a rare insider's perspective on the egos and eccentricities of A-list stars.

The details

In the interview, Cox shared his thoughts on several high-profile actors. He said he passed on a role in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to avoid working with Johnny Depp, whom he described as 'so overblown' and 'so overrated.' He also called Edward Norton 'a pain in the a**e,' Kevin Spacey 'a stupid, stupid man,' and Ian McKellen's acting 'not to his taste.' Cox's criticism extended to other industry figures, including Quentin Tarantino, whom he called 'meretricious,' and Michael Caton-Jones, whom he labeled 'a complete a***hole.' Additionally, Cox found his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong's method acting approach 'f***ing annoying.'

  • Brian Cox is nearing his 80th birthday this year.

The players

Brian Cox

A veteran Scottish actor known for his roles in Succession, Manhunter, and numerous other films. He has won a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award, and was appointed a CBE in 2003.

Johnny Depp

A popular American actor known for his roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Edward Scissorhands, and other films.

Edward Norton

An acclaimed American actor known for his roles in Fight Club, American History X, and other films.

Kevin Spacey

An American actor known for his roles in films like American Beauty and the Netflix series House of Cards.

Jeremy Strong

An American actor who co-stars with Brian Cox in the hit TV series Succession.

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What they’re 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.'”

— Brian Cox, Actor

“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently. Brian is a very fine actor who's done extraordinary work. As a result he's been given a soapbox... which he shows no sign of climbing down from.”

— Daniel Day-Lewis, Actor

What’s next

It remains to be seen if any of the actors Brian Cox criticized will publicly respond to his comments. The debate over method acting and the egos of Hollywood stars is likely to continue.

The takeaway

Brian Cox's candid critique of his industry peers highlights the tensions and eccentricities that can exist among A-list actors. His willingness to speak his mind, even at the risk of offending others, provides a rare unfiltered look into the inner workings of Hollywood.