Brian Cox, a prominent advocate of the phrase “fuck off,” doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind. According to the Evening Standard, Cox made his stance clear on Sunday night, passionately criticizing Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal in Napoleon, labeling it “truly terrible” and confidently stating he “would have performed it much better” than the Oscar winner.
Reports suggest that during a live talk at London’s HistFest, Cox, known for his role in Succession, launched into a tirade against Phoenix’s rendition of Napoleon Bonaparte in Ridley Scott’s film. “Terrible. It’s terrible,” Cox exclaimed. “A truly terrible performance by Joaquin Phoenix.” Cox didn’t hold back, repeating the word “terrible” thrice and adding, “It really is appalling and I don’t know what he was thinking.”

Cox didn’t stop there. He directly criticized Phoenix, attributing the flaws of Napoleon solely to him. “I think it’s totally his fault, and I don’t think Ridley Scott helps him. I would have performed it a lot better than Joaquin Phoenix, I tell you that. You can say it’s good drama. No—it’s lies.” Considering Cox’s appreciation for Sydney Sweeney’s Euphoria bathroom monologue, his viewpoint demands attention.
Criticism wasn’t limited to Phoenix’s performance; Cox also took jabs at Phoenix’s name. “I think he’s well named. Joaquin…wackeen…wacky,” continued Cox. “It’s a sort of wacky performance.”
Phoenix wasn’t the only Oscar winner in Cox’s line of fire. The Emmy winner also criticized the ’90s epic Braveheart, despite praising Mel Gibson’s acting. “Mel Gibson was wonderful, but it’s a load of lies. He never impregnated the French princess. It is bollocks, that film.”
Cox’s criticism extended beyond actors and films. The seasoned stage performer, currently starring in Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night on the West End, also had pointed remarks about theater critics. “It’s stupid! Why make that comparison? It’s so obvious,” he stated. “Most critics are stupid. They really are. Because they don’t do their homework.”
Brian Cox emphasized the importance of studying over Method acting, a practice he’s criticized before, for delivering a great performance. “You have to do your homework,” he stressed.”I do think that Biden is a good man, but he’s too old.” It’s quite ironic coming from a 77-year-old who just claimed he could have portrayed Napoleon Bonaparte, a world leader who died at 51—but if anyone could pull it off, it’s Cox.