Brian Cox Slams Joaquin Phoenix for 'Terrible' 'Napoleon' Performance

Last year, Joaquin Phoenix took on the role of iconic French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in Ridley Scott's epic historical drama Napoleon. The movie was polarizing among fans and critics alike, and Phoenix's portrayal of Bonaparte drew criticism from fellow actor Brian Cox. 

Cox, who has starred in a variety of roles from Rushmore to Succession, shared his thoughts on Phoenix's job in a recent talk covered by The Standard. 

"It’s terrible," the Scottish actor stated plainly of the movie. He went on to lambast Phoenix's work in the film specifically. "A truly terrible performance by Joaquin Phoenix. It really is appalling. I don’t know what he was thinking. I think it’s totally his fault and I don’t think Ridley Scott helps him." 

As for who he might have cast? "I would have played it a lot better than Joaquin Phoenix, I tell you that," Cox said, adding that the historical inaccuracies harmed the film's credibility. "You can say it’s good drama. No—it’s lies," he said honestly. 

He also took a moment to make a joke out of Phoenix's name and wondered if it was fitting for him to be a part of the project. "I think he’s well named. Joaquin… Wackeen... Wacky. It’s a sort of wacky performance," he said. 

Phoenix hasn't responded to Cox's harsh words, though it's likely the Oscar-winning actor is busy with other ventures. He's set to star opposite Lady Gaga in Joker: Folie à Deux hitting theaters Oct. 4 and is currently filming Ari Aster's Eddington alongside stars like Pedro Pascal, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone.