Brian Cox, a distinguished figure in both film and theater, has recently expressed his candid feelings regarding the casting of Anthony Hopkins in one of his prominent stage roles. With a career spanning over six decades, Cox has garnered numerous accolades, including two British Theatre Association Drama Awards, one Emmy Award (for Nuremberg), one Golden Globe (for Succession), and two BAFTA Awards (for Outstanding Achievement and The Escapist), highlighting his versatile talent.
Cox’s portrayal of the formidable Logan Roy in HBO’s acclaimed drama Succession has solidified his status in contemporary entertainment. Nevertheless, his extensive filmography includes memorable characters like Samara’s father in The Ring, William Stryker in X2: X-Men United, CIA Deputy Director Ward Abbott in The Bourne Identity and its sequel, and Captain O’Hagan in Super Troopers. Each role has contributed to his impressive legacy.
Brian Cox’s Reflections on Missing Out on the 1999 Film Titus
Recalling His 1987 Performance as Titus Andronicus
Among the various projects in his rich filmography, the 1999 adaptation of Titus Andronicus stands out as a noteworthy opportunity that Brian Cox did not seize. He delivered a powerful performance in the title role during a transformative 1987 stage production. Directed by Julie Taymor, the film cast Anthony Hopkins—fresh off his Oscar-winning role in The Silence of the Lambs—to embody the character in the cinematic version.
The ensemble cast of Titus featured talents such as Jessica Lange, Alan Cumming, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, further enriching the adaptation.
During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cox recounted the audience’s intense reactions to his original performance in 1987, stating that some patrons “were carried out of the auditorium.”He revealed theatrical techniques he employed, such as snapping a twig to enhance the moment when Titus breaks Lavinia’s neck, which provoked a visceral audience response.
When discussing missing out on the 1999 film role, he reflected, “that’s the story of my life.”Although he has yet to watch the film, he indicated that a friend observed it included the neck-breaking sequence he initially created. He articulated a resigned philosophy about artistry and inspiration, saying, “people steal, what can you do?” Below is his poignant reflection:
People were carried out of the auditorium. I think the first Saturday matinee, we had about eight people carried out because it was too much for them. And when I broke Lavinia’s neck, I had somebody behind me snap a twig, and the whole audience would go, “Oh!” I remember also one night there was some [audience member] who had an accent, and she was going, “Help me, help me, help me.” And I sort of continued talking, took her by the hand and led her gently to the vomitorium [a bathroom offstage]. I’ve never been involved in [another] play where I had that sort of visceral reaction from an audience.
[Was I upset when Hopkins was cast as Titus?] Well, that’s the story of my life. I’m used to that. I never saw the film, but somebody told me she uses the breaking of the neck thing, which I did first. So it’s just the way people are. People steal, what can you do?
Analyzing Brian Cox’s Remarks on His Titus Experience
A Common Thread: Roles Reinterpreted
Cox’s comment about being “used to that”when roles are recast hints at a pattern throughout his career. While he has excelled in many Shakespearean productions, several of these pivotal roles were not reimagined by him in subsequent film adaptations. One notable example may include the character of Hannibal Lecter. Cox originally portrayed Lecter in the 1986 film Manhunter, but it was Hopkins who emerged as the definitive figure of the character following his performance in The Silence of the Lambs five years later, leading to further opportunities in Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).
For more insights, refer to the source: THR
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