Brian Cox, star of the HBO series Succession, recently published a detailed memoir in which he recounts his nearly 60-year long career working in film and television. In the memoir, Cox shared his honest views on big-name several actors and directors, including Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp.
In the memoir, titled Putting The Rabbit In The Hat: A Memoir, Cox reveals that he actually turned down the role of The Governor in the Pirates on the Caribbean franchise, writing, "It would have been a money-spinner, but of all the parts in that film it was the most thankless, plus I would have ended up doing it for film after film and missed out on all the other nice things I’ve done." The role of the Governor would eventually go to actor Jonathan Pryce, who did indeed reprise the role in the franchise's many sequels.
Cox also shared his thoughts on the franchise's leading actor, and he did not mince words. Cox wrote in the memoir, with excerpts provided by GQ, "Another thing with Pirates of the Caribbean is that it’s very much the "Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow" show, and Depp, personable though I’m sure he is, is so overblown, so overrated. I mean, Edward Scissorhands. Let’s face it, if you come on with hands like that and pale, scarred-face make-up, you don’t have to do anything. And he didn’t. And subsequently, he’s done even less. But people love him. Or they did love him. They don’t love him so much these days, of course." Cox then noted that he believes the role of Jack Sparrow would have gone to actor like Brendan Gleeson today.
Needless to say, several excerpts from the memoir have been making the rounds on social media and in mainstream publications. In an interview with Deadline, Cox was asked why he was willing to share such honest views about his fellow actors, knowing it would generate controversy. "Well, I just thought I had to be honest about who people are, and it’s only my opinion." Cox said. "And, I’ve had a lot of flak about disrespecting some and all that, and people clearly haven’t read the book, and they think I’m having a go at Johnny Depp. Well, I’m not having a go at Johnny Depp. I don’t disrespect Johnny Depp. I think Johnny Depp has done some incredible work, but he’s … you know, I have my reservations."
Cox is perhaps best known for his more recent role as cut-throat Media Mogul Logan Roy on HBO's Succession, which recently wrapped up its third season. The series has been a huge hit, raking in dozens of awards and nominations, including The Golden Globe for Best Drama Series, and Best Television Actor - Drama Series for Cox's performance. Cox has an incredible talent for delivering brutal and eviscerating dialogue. Although his real-life persona is much kinder than the Roy patriarch, it's easy to see why he was a perfect fit for the show. Even in his own words, he is able to verbally dissect one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Despite his role in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Depp's career has been in the slumps in recent years. The actor has been engulfed in a lengthy court dispute with his ex-wife, Aquaman actress Amber Heard, in which both parties have alleged detailed instances of abuse and foul behavior. Cox's views on Depp are just the latest in a series of blows for the embattled actor who was once considered one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
You can watch all three seasons of Succession streaming on HBO Max.