Much has been made about Jeremy Strong and his reliance on “method acting” in projects. For those unaware, Strong will fully inhabit his character and never break while on set, even when the cameras aren’t rolling. Yes, this is still the case when he’s working on the hit series, “Succession,” alongside Brian Cox, an actor who isn’t willing to bite his tongue and not share what’s on his mind. When you combine a method actor and Brian Cox, you know there are going to be a bit of fireworks.
Speaking to Town & Country, Brian Cox pulled no punches when talking about Jeremy Strong’s method acting. And even though Cox thinks it’s “annoying,” he doesn’t think it’s because Strong is a terrible actor. The opposite is true. Cox thinks Strong would be just as good without it.
“Oh, it’s fucking annoying. Don’t get me going on it,” Cox said. “He’s a very good actor. And the rest of the ensemble is all okay with this. But knowing a character and what the character does is only part of the skill set.”
He added, “He’s still that guy, because he feels if he went somewhere else he’d lose it. But he won’t! Strong is talented. He’s fucking gifted. When you’ve got the gift, celebrate the gift. Go back to your trailer and have a hit of marijuana, you know?”
Clearly, Cox is confident enough to say those things about Strong’s acting and not think it’ll damage his relationship with his co-star. However, even if you’re someone as respected as Strong, it has to hurt a little to have Cox say his process is “fucking annoying.” You have to assume there will be some discussion about all of this on the set of “Succession,” right? Or maybe not, considering Strong never breaks character.
Regardless, whatever is happening on set is working, as “Succession” is quickly turning into one of HBO’s most acclaimed series of all time. Season 4 of the series is expected to debut on March 26.