Brian Cox: Jeremy Strong’s Method Fostered ‘Hostility’ Among ‘Succession’ Cast

Jeremy Strong’s Commitment to Method Acting Sparks Reactions from ‘Succession’ Co-Stars

HBO’s acclaimed series ‘Succession,’ which debuted in 2018, chronicles the power struggles within a wealthy family as they vie for control of their father’s diminishing empire. At the center of it all is Jeremy Strong, who portrays Kendall Roy, Logan Roy’s (Brian Cox) reluctant heir. Strong’s intense dedication to his craft has made headlines, particularly following a revealing profile in The New Yorker that delved into his method acting approach.

While many admire Strong’s profound commitment to his role, not all his ‘Succession’ colleagues share the same enthusiasm. Reactions have ranged from concern to irritation, especially during moments not captured on camera. Strong himself acknowledged that his approach can appear “difficult” to some, stating, “Sometimes there must even be room for necessary roughness.”

The backlash stemming from the New Yorker profile led Strong to label the article a significant breach of his trust. He expressed that the criticisms from his co-stars regarding his method acting tactics were deeply hurtful. In a subsequent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, he remarked, “A lot of that is just things that are presented out of context or with a certain agenda. I know what everybody said, and there was an angle and a narrative that was being presented.” He added that while there might be occasional friction among the cast, it doesn’t overshadow the underlying respect and camaraderie they share.

Kieran Culkin, who plays Roman Roy, was quoted in the New Yorker piece expressing mixed feelings about Strong’s work ethic. He noted that while it may benefit Strong, it doesn’t necessarily help him. Brian Cox, the venerable actor who plays Logan Roy, offered a nuanced perspective, noting the remarkable outcomes of Strong’s performances but voicing apprehension about the emotional toll it takes on him. Cox described Strong’s commitment as “f—king annoying” in a revealing February 2023 interview, suggesting a cultural divide in their acting philosophies. Cox emphasized getting the job done without the need for a methodical approach and cited Daniel Day-Lewis’s retirement as an example of method acting’s potential downsides.

In a subsequent interview with The Guardian, Cox acknowledged Strong as a talented actor but suggested he might benefit from a more inclusive approach to his craft, hinting that Strong’s intense immersion in character sometimes creates barriers within the ensemble.

Sarah Snook, who plays Shiv, admired Strong’s unique approach during an episode of Variety’s “Awards Circuit,” noting that every actor has their own process. Nicholas Braun, known for his role as Greg, shared his pride in occasionally managing to break Strong’s intense focus during scenes, commenting on how rare and impressive that is.

Matthew Macfadyen expressed frustration over the narrative surrounding Strong’s method acting, arguing that it shifts the show’s focus away from the ensemble nature of their performance. Macfadyen asserted that it is crucial to maintain a balance, emphasizing that the spotlight should not solely be on one actor’s method.

As the conversation around Strong’s acting continues, it raises intriguing questions about the balance between artistic dedication and the collaborative spirit essential in ensemble performances. The dialogue around ‘Succession’ remains vibrant, capturing not only the attention of fans but also a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in bringing such riveting characters to life.