Succession star Brian Cox made some bold comments about Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny Depp. The Scotland native did not hold back his opinion when he expressed his dismay towards Depp’s acting performance.
Cox also reflected on some of the major roles he turned down in the past years, and why he never regretted one bit. Indeed, he almost starred in Pirates of the Caribbean and Game of Thrones!
Brian Cox Savagely Criticized Johnny Depp’s Acting Talent
In his memoir, Putting the Rabbit in the Hat, Brian Cox revealed he was offered the role of Robert Baratheon in the hit HBO epic fantasy show Game of Thrones. He declined the offer because the pay was not satisfactory, and the character was immediately killed off. He wrote (via The Guardian):
“I’m often asked if I was offered a role in Game of Thrones – reason being that every other bugger was – and the answer is, yes, I was supposed to be a king called Robert Baratheon. There’s always been a tendency of American productions to treat British actors differently from American actors. In other words, to get them cheap.”
Aside from monetary concerns, Cox also rejected the role of Governor Weatherby Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. The part eventually went to James Bond star Jonathan Pryce. This time, Cox had issues with the character itself:
“It would have been a moneyspinner but, of all the parts in the film, it was the most thankless.”
He went on to criticize Johnny Depp’s acting skills, specifically mentioning his role as Edward Scissorhands in Tim Burton’s 1990 film. Cox boldly stated:
“And Depp, personable though I’m sure he is, is so overblown – I mean Edward Scissorhands! Let’s face it, if you come on with hands like that and pale, scarred-face makeup, you don’t have to do anything. And he didn’t.”
It seems the Shakespearean actor was not impressed with Depp’s acting talent despite his movies performing successfully at the box office. This could also be the reason he turned down the supporting role in the Pirates of the Caribbean film. Moreover, Pryce also appeared in Game of Thrones as the High Sparrow.
Brian Cox Ultimately Regrets Attacking Johnny Depp In His Memoir
In his interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live via Variety, Brian Cox admitted he regrets hurling all those insensitive words at Johnny Depp. The Manhunter star confessed:
“I just thought I was being a bit harsh. You know what it’s like, you go for the easy joke. And I went for the easy joke. That was what happened, and I sort of regretted it. Because I’m not like that normally; I was just being a bit glib, a bit flip.”
Kimmel asked Cox if he believes actors really think they are overrated, in line with his previous comment about Depp:
“I think they do. I think a lot of times actors think they’re overrated, and some think they’re underrated. Let’s put it this way: Most of them think they’re not rated at all.”
Cox’s Succession series on HBO recently concluded its final season, while all Pirates of the Caribbean movies are streaming on Disney+.
