'Succession's Brian Cox Shares Brutal Opinion of 'Whacky' Joaquin Phoenix Role

L: Joaquin Phoenix, R: Brian Cox

Succession star Brian Cox didn't hold back during his appearance at HistFest on Sunday, April 14, where the actor absolutely tore into what he views as terrible films, actors, theatre critics, and politicians.

His first victim at the festival "that celebrates the brightest and the best in the world of history," per its website, was Joaquin Phoenix and his "truly terrible" role as Napoleon Bonaparte in the 2023 film Napoleon, at which Cox took aim during his "History on Stage and Screen" talk with BBC broadcaster, author and journalist Clive Myrie.

“Terrible. It’s terrible. A truly terrible performance," Cox called it. "It really is appalling."

While he also places some blame on the director of the film, Cox says Phoenix bears the brunt of the weight. "I don’t know what he was thinking. I think it’s totally his fault and I don’t think Ridley Scott helps him."

Cox seems convinced that the historical drama is anything but historically accurate, calling it "all lies," though, according to The Standard's recap, he didn't offer any corrections, other than the fact that he "would have played it a lot better than Joaquin Phoenix."

While he's less than impressed with Phoenix's theatrical talents, he admits he's "well-named."

"Joaquin…whackeen... whacky," he rattled off. "It’s a sort of whacky performance.”

We have a feeling that Phoenix isn't too bent out of shape over the criticism, though, given his myriad of very successful roles. Instead, we suspect that he's simply laughing all the way to the bank.

Next: Brian Cox Reveals What He Misses Most About 'Succession' and Why He Chose His New Movie