Brian Cox has once again spoken his mind, disclosing why he turned down the role of Governor Weatherby Swann in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean‘ films.
During a recent interview, the 79-year-old actor revealed the decision he first mentioned in his 2021 memoir, ‘Putting the Rabbit in the Hat.’ The role of the father of Keira Knightley‘s Elizabeth Swann eventually went to Jonathan Pryce, who appeared in the original trilogy.
Brian Cox Reveals Why He Rejected a Lucrative ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Role
Cox admitted that the role could have been a major “money-spinner” especially after working with director Gore Verbinski on ‘The Ring.’ Still, he felt the part of Governor Swann in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean‘ was not very rewarding and had no interest in committing to several sequels.
He said that the series was largely built as “the ‘Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow’ show.” Cox added that he was glad he turned it down, as he preferred to keep his career open to different kinds of roles, instead of being tied to a supporting part in a franchise focused on just one character.
Brian Cox Slams Johnny Depp as Overrated in Brutally Honest Remarks
Cox did not hold back when speaking about Johnny Depp. “Depp, personable though I’m sure he is, is so overblown, so overrated,” he told The Times.
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In his memoir, the actor previously pointed to Depp’s breakout role in ‘Edward Scissorhands’, suggesting, “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.” He continued, “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 also said he is no longer interested in holding back as he gets older. “I mean, my wife [Nicole Ansari-Cox] keeps saying, ‘Brian, be careful. Brian, be careful.’ 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,” he said.
Brian Cox’s History of Blunt Hollywood Opinions
Cox, known for speaking his mind, has never avoided sharing his opinions about other actors.
Over the years, he has made strong comments about several well-known names, including Edward Norton and Margot Robbie, while continuing to earn praise for his own work in films like ‘Braveheart‘ and the hit series ‘Succession.’
Neither Johnny Depp nor representatives for Disney have responded to the renewed attention. Cox, who is enjoying a later-career surge, continues to be selective about the roles he takes and remains open about sharing his views.
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