Succession Star Hates His Co-Star’s On-Set Behavior
Brian Cox takes issue with his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong, choosing to method act his role as Kendall Roy whenever he is on set.
HBO has proved to be the network for families with many issues, whether they be solved via dragon or corporate takeover. In the case of Succession, some of the in-character animosity is starting to spill over offset due to Jeremy Strong‘s insistence on method acting. According to Entertainment Weekly, Brian Cox, the veteran actor playing the head of the family at the heart of the white-collar drama, calls Strong’s acting style “It’s f—ing annoying.”
If that sounds harsh, it reflects the on-screen relationship the two enjoy as Logan Roy (Cox) and Kendall Roy (Strong), with the latter playing the heir to the former’s company. It’s difficult, as the Roy clan is part of the legal and financial cat-and-mouse games between the different relatives hoping to get a part of the billionaire-dollar fortune. Following Logan’s 80th birthday party, everyone is preparing for a world without the patriarch, but not all of them want to wait.
The award-winning cast includes Hiam Abbass, Nicolas Braun, Kieran Culkin, Peter Friedman, Natalie Gold, Matthew Macfayden, James Cromwell, Alan Ruck, and Sarah Snook. Mapping out the relationships between each character, whether it be on the family tree or the corporate ladder, is right up there with Game of Thrones intricate characterizations. Brian Cox admits that he’s likely the only one that has a problem with Strong’s acting habits.
The X-Men 2 actor continued, “He feels if he went somewhere else he’d lose it,” Cox continued. “But he won’t! Strong is talented. He’s f—ing gifted. When you’ve got the gift, celebrate the gift. Go back to your trailer and have a hit of marijuana, you know.” If anyone has a co-worker that advises taking a hit of marijuana right after work, chances are you have a good co-worker.
Despite the fantastic advice, Jeremy Strong remains adamant in his approach to the intricate plots of Succession, “Everyone’s entitled to have their feelings.” That’s very Season 3 of Kendall; currently, the latest season to air following significant Covid-19 delays. In the last five years, only three seasons have aired, which is not nearly enough Roy drama for fans of the show.
The behind-the-scenes conflict involving Cox over Strong’s behavior will have to suffice for a few more weeks. Strong chooses to isolate himself from his co-stars and remain in character constantly, as Kendall Roy is nearly as bizarre as the failed coup of Season 3, which included acquisitions, murdered waiters, weddings, and Logan proving he’s always a step ahead of his traitorous children.
Season 4 of Succession is right around the corner on March 26th, finally continuing the saga though it may be the show’s last. According to Brian Cox, no one has signed extensions for a fifth season, though the show’s producers insist it will be a five-year story. Even if Jeremy Strong’s odd acting choices stop providing behind-the-scenes drama, it sounds like a real-life contract negotiation will be just as high-stakes as the Roy’s fictional drama.
All previous seasons can be binged on HBO Max right now if you want to get caught up before the season premiere on March 26th.
