The movie Brian Cox was desperate to be in: “All my pals were in it”
For acting titans like Brian Cox, you’d imagine there isn’t much they’ve missed out on. After starring in the monumental series Succession as the head of a media conglomerate and dysfunctional family, the actor reached new levels of infamy after his portrayal of the cruel and complicated Logan Roy, with the show being revered for its Shakespearian drama and outstanding performances.
In addition, the gruff Scottish actor is also known for his stage work on productions such as King Lear and Rat in the Skull and screen performances in Adaptation, Braveheart and Churchill. However, the actor has expressed regret at not being cast in one project, claiming that he was desperate for the chance to be involved.
The Harry Potter franchise united some of the most iconic British actors of all time, becoming an “Avengers assemble” of talent as some of the most prolific performers joined forces to bring the fantasy story to life. With the likes of Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson and Gary Oldman joining the cast, the films have been defined by their supporting performances and immersive story world, capturing the imaginations of global audiences and affirming the franchise as one of the most successful of all time.
However, while some remember the story fondly and look at it through the hazy lens of nostalgia, Cox has a rather different impression of it, maintaining his disappointment at not being cast in the series among the other British heavyweights.
When asked about this, Cox said, “Harry Potter. That’s another one they ask me about. Harry fucking Potter. I think someone had a burning cross held up for me not to be in Harry Potter, because all my pals were in it. I think the part I might have played was the one that Brendan Gleeson got, Mad-Eye Moody, but Brendan was more in fashion than I was at that point, and that’s very much the way of the world in my business, so he got it. Also, he’s much better than I would have been”.
This would understandably become a bit of a gripe, especially if former co-stars and friends were being cast, with the franchise proudly shouting from the rooftops about using Britain’s best talent. This would sting if you were not included in this category and relegated to that of Britain’s mediocre talent that didn’t quite make the cut.
However, Cox would no doubt do well in the franchise, and while I cannot picture anyone by Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody, perhaps the actor would do well in another role. After his portrayal of Logan Roy, it could be easy to imagine him as a villain in the series, but alas, this was not an opportunity extended to him. But after years on screen, the actor has reprised roles to rival that of playing a wizard, and his work has been remembered for very different reasons, becoming part of the Hollywood elite after starring in one of the greatest television shows of all time.
