Brian Cox mocks Margot Robbie's 'Wuthering Heights' casting
What's the story
Veteran actor Brian Cox has taken a dig at Margot Robbie's casting in the recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights. In a recent interview with The Times UK, he said, "Margot Robbie is far too beautiful for that role." "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."
Role skepticism
Cox also mocked Robbie's Australian accent
Cox, who is known for his unfiltered opinions, didn't stop at Robbie's looks. He also mocked her Australian accent. He said, "'Keith Cliff! It's me, Cathy!' 'How ya doing, Keith? Awright?' 'Yeah, I'm awright!'" The actor added that the 1939 version of the Emily Brontë classic is one of his favorite films.
Feud details
Cox opens up on his ongoing feud with Daniel Day-Lewis
Cox also spoke about his ongoing feud with fellow actor Daniel Day-Lewis. This beef started when he criticized his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong's method acting in 2023. Day-Lewis, who inspired Strong, told Cox last year to get off his "soapbox." When asked if he's reached out to Day-Lewis, Cox cheekily replied he hadn't "because it's got nothing to do with Dan Day-Lewis."
Past critiques
His past jabs at other actors
Cox's criticism isn't limited to Robbie and Day-Lewis. The actor has previously spoken some scathing words for stars like Johnny Depp and Ian McKellen in his 2021 memoir and interviews. He called Depp "so overblown" and "so overrated," while admitting he was relieved he turned down Jonathan Pryce's role in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. He also once said his X2 co-star McKellen's acting is "not to my taste."
Director disdain
Criticism has also been directed at directors and writers
Cox's criticism doesn't stop at actors. The 79-year-old has also aimed at directors and writers. He called Quentin Tarantino "meretricious," Michael Caton-Jones "a complete ar*ehole," and David Hare a "see you next Tuesday." He once vented about Gary Oldman winning the Best Actor Oscar for his role as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. He called Oldman's acting "a crowd-pleasing farrago."
Bluntness consequences
Has his bluntness caused problems?
When asked if his bluntness has cost him friends or caused problems, Cox replied with a laugh. He said, "Well, I don't know yet if it's caused me problems." "I mean, my wife keeps saying, 'Brian, be careful. Brian, be careful.'" He added, "I think,'F--k it, I don't want to be careful anymore! I'll be 80 this year. F--k it! I'm gonna say what I want to say."