‘X-Men’ Actor Brian Cox Slams Comic Book Films: “So it’s just become a party time for certain actors.”

As a gamer with a deep-rooted love for cinema and a respect for industry veterans like Brian Cox, I can’t help but nod my head in agreement when he voices his concerns about the current state of superhero movies. Having grown up watching the golden age of cinema, I’ve seen the evolution of storytelling from classics to blockbusters, and there’s no denying that something seems amiss in today’s landscape.


In terms of the comic book and superhero film industry, Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to dominate. Warner’s DC Universe (DCU) is making strides, but it remains uncertain if even James Gunn can introduce something fresh that could rival the success of the MCU.

Concurrently, Marvel Cinematic Universe films have been experiencing a drop in performance compared to their previous outings, with Deadpool and Wolverine being notable exceptions. However, these exceptions are largely expected given their unique appeal. There’s been an increasing discussion about “superhero saturation,” although industry professionals, particularly Kevin Feige, refute this claim. This could merely be optimism on their part.

Previously considered inviolable, these movies are now frequently subjected to criticism, not just from fans but also professionals within the industry. Martin Scorcese’s harsh words towards superhero films, backed by many of his peers, are a notable example. More recently, actor Brian Cox, in an interview unrelated to Scorsese, has added his voice to this critique.

Although Brian Cox may not be a household name like some other actors, he has had a commendable career spanning multiple films, many of which have achieved great success. For comic book enthusiasts, he might be recognized as the portrayer of William Stryker Jr. in X2, who played a pivotal role in shaping Wolverine’s character. However, contrary to his impact on comic book film adaptations, Cox himself is not particularly fond of comics.

“In one version, let’s say Deadpool encounters… Wolverine, a character I originated, though truth be told, I can’t seem to recall. When these movies air, there’s always a hint of me as Stryker in them, but I never receive any compensation. Essentially, it’s become a festive occasion for certain actors to partake. It’s well known that Hugh Jackman has more to offer, and Ryan Reynolds… However, they follow this path because it yields box office success and generates significant income. It’s hard to fault them for that.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Additionally, he expressed his opinion that cinema currently finds itself in a troubled state. He believes that the influx of comic book films, such as those produced by Marvel and DC, contribute significantly to this perceived decline in quality and artistic merit.

As a seasoned artist who has worked extensively in both cinema and television, I’ve witnessed a noticeable shift in the landscape of storytelling over the years. What once was the exclusive domain of cinema now seems to be increasingly shared with television. While this transformation brings about new opportunities for creative expression, I can’t help but feel a sense of concern for the future of cinema.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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2024-08-18 16:44