Famously known for playing the Roy family patriarch in Succession, Brian Cox walked Vanity Fair through his trajectory of filmography and remarkable career, in 2022. Therein, the actor spoke fondly of his role as Agamemnon in Wolfgang Peterson’s 2004 historical epic Troy, alongside Brad Pitt’s Achilles.
Admitting that the role of Agamemnon was the only one that he has ever pursued in his career, Brian Cox mentioned how he lets his career fall into pieces, on its own. Meanwhile, speaking about the film and the stellar cast, Cox recalled Brad Pitt’s grandeur on set. According to Cox, watching Pitt’s performance made him believe that no other actor could ever beat his screen presence.
Brian Cox Recalled His Role in the 2004 Epic Troy
Reminiscing his career timeline with Vanity Fair in 2022, Brian Cox recalled his work in Wolfgang Peterson’s 2004 film Troy. Among his many successful and critically acclaimed projects, the historical epic stands as one of Cox’s greatest achievements. Portraying the character of Agamemnon in the movie, the actor noted how it was the only role that he ever pursued in his career.
Getting candid during his interview, Brian Cox mentioned how he rarely chases after roles and projects. Instead, the actor often allows pieces to fall into their place and waits for his fate to take over. However, after learning about the potential role in Wolfgang Peterson’s movie, Cox admitted to flying himself to London to set a meeting and even audition for the role.
“I’ve never pursued anything. I’ve always allowed it to fall out the way it fell out. I knew the part was available and I knew I was dead right for the role. I volunteered to fly myself to London to meet Wolfgang Petersen. It was a great cast.”
Therein, the actor met with the stellar cast and he immediately clicked with them. But the one actor who captivated Brian Cox from the set of Troy was none other than Brad Pitt. Therefore, the star began speaking fondly of the actor, through the rest of his interview about Troy.
Brian Cox Spoke Fondly of His Troy Co-Star Brad Pitt
According to Brian Cox’s interview, the actor was not only attracted by Wolfgang Peterson’s project and the potential role of Agamemnon, but he was also utterly mesmerized by Brad Pitt’s appearance and screen presence. Therefore, recalling his work experience from the set of Troy, Cox began speaking out of admiration for Pitt.
Joking about how he’s a sexually straight male, Brian Cox admitted being taken aback by Brad Pitt‘s aura and handsomeness. Perhaps, he understood what women go through when Pitt appears on screen. But jokes aside, Cox purposefully praised Pitt for his glamor, grandeur, and indomitable performance. Claiming that no actor stands a chance against Pitt, Cox rested his case.
“I remember at one point being agog at Brad. He’d never been in costumes like that… Brad walked on set and my jaw was down because he was so stunningly beautiful. I’m straight but I thought, ‘Wow, my God! This guy is stunning.’ What chance does one have on the screen against this beautiful, beautiful man?”
Loosely based on Homer’s Illiad, Brian Cox and Brad Pitt’s 2004 historical epic Troy, garnered praise and earned a staggering $483M at the worldwide box office (via The Numbers). Alongside Cox and Pitt, the movie featured an ensemble cast of Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Diane Kruger, and more.
Troy is available on Max.
