Brian Cox’s autobiography features plenty of trash talk about his former co-stars

Brian Cox‘s autobiography, Putting the Rabbit in the Hat, has been the talk of the town ever since it hit shelves earlier this week. In the book, Cox talks extensively about his Hollywood experience, giving fans a glimpse into his many projects and stumbling blocks along the way. What’s got everyone talking is that a portion of the book focuses on several of Cox’s co-stars and the unflattering things he has to say about them. Who among the Hollywood elite does Cox think needs an attitude adjustment? Well, Ed Norton, Michael Caine, and Johnny Depp, but that’s just for starters.

In 2002, Cox worked alongside Ed Norton on Spike Lee’s The 25th Hour, and the Succession star was not a fan of Norton by the end of their time together.

“He’s a nice lad but a bit of a pain in the arse because he fancies himself as a writer-director,” says Cox in his autobiography.

In talking about Michael Caine, Cox said that he recognizes that the Muppets Christmas Carol actor is an icon and a legend, but he also added the following comment: “I wouldn’t describe Michael as my favorite, but he’s Michael Caine. An institution. And being an institution will always beat having range.”

Up next on Cox’s hit list is Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny Depp. Cox passed on playing the Governor in the Disney film franchise-starter and doesn’t regret it one bit.

“Personable though I’m sure he is, is so overblown, so overrated. I mean, Edward Scissorhands. Let’s face it, 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. And subsequently, he’s done even less.”

Wow! Brian Cox’s autobiography sure doesn’t mince words, eh? Would you like to hear some more?

Cox also had harsh words to direct at action star Steven Seagal. The two had starred together in 1996’s The Glimmer Man, and Cox was not at all impressed by Seagal’s ability to act like he’s above his peers.

“Steven Seagal is as ludicrous in real life as he appears on screen. He radiates a studied serenity, as though he’s on a higher plane to the rest of us, and while he’s certainly on a different plane, no doubt about that, it’s probably not a higher one.”

Cox also took aim at the late David Bowie, who he worked with on the TV series Recap. This comment isn’t nearly as harsh as some of the others, but it’s sure to ruffle a few boa feathers on Bowie purists.

“A skinny kid, and not a particularly good actor. He made a better pop star, that much is for certain,” says Cox.

Another victim of Cox’s literary diarrhea is JoBlo fan-favorite filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. While Cox was no fan of Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, he won’t deny that if an opportunity to work with the legendary director came along, he might take it.

“I find his work meretricious. It’s all surface. Plot mechanics in place of depth. Style where there should be substance. I walked out of Pulp Fiction…That said, if the phone rang, I’d do it.”

Last but not least on Brian Cox’s list of celebrities to address is Jonathan Pryce and Christopher Walken. Cox worked with the duo on the set of 2001’s The Affair of the Necklace and had this to say about the experience…

“Christopher Walken was somewhat bemused by Jonathan Pryce, which is understandable, Jonathan being an interesting fish, kind of dark and gloomy at times. And if you can freak out Christopher Walken…”

Brian Cox’s autobiography also contains comments aimed at Gary Oldman, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Michael Gambon.

“I’m expecting probably never to hear from some people again. But that’s the way it goes,” Cox said while speaking with The Big Issue about his new book.

Woof, with friends like Brian Cox, right? A lot of people say that honesty is the best policy, though, in Brian Cox’s case, he might want to let the cat catch his tongue.

Will you be reading Brian Cox’s autobiography for all of its saucy celebrity comments and more? Do you think this kind of talk is dangerous for Cox’s career? He clearly doesn’t give a hoot who knows how he feels, and something is refreshing about that, don’t you think? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.