Jeremy Strong Defends Method Acting Amid Brian Cox Criticism

Jeremy Strong has defended his method acting approach amid ongoing criticism from former Succession co-star Brian Cox and others. The actor said he does not feel the need to apologize to co-workers who think he takes the process too seriously. His new film, The Social Reckoning, hits theaters on October 9.

Jeremy Strong maintains that his method acting serves the material and is not intended to harm others’ experience on set. He commits utterly to serving the material. It is never his intention to interfere with others, he stated. Strong does not get frustrated with others on set who may not be as committed. He believes the directors he works with agree that his process serves the material. Reactions to his method acting are often personal in nature, he thinks.

"Of course, it is never my intention to interfere with anyone else’s experience or anyone else’s way of working," Strong said. "First, do no harm, right? But commit to fucking what you’re doing, and utterly." He added that if his intensity makes some uncomfortable, he does not feel he needs to apologize.

Cox’s critique and complex history

Brian Cox has repeatedly criticized Jeremy Strong’s method acting, calling it 'fucking annoying'. He said the approach creates hostility and is not good for the ensemble. Cox has called method acting a particularly American disease and an inability to separate oneself while working. His comments were featured in a viral New Yorker profile.

Despite the critique, Cox has also acknowledged Strong's talent. He noted in a later interview that Strong was wonderful to act with. Cox said he had no argument with Jeremy’s acting. He would be an even better actor if he just got rid of that so there would be much more inclusiveness in what he did, Cox said.

Sorkin’s perspective and film context

In The Social Reckoning, Strong plays Mark Zuckerberg. Director Aaron Sorkin told The New York Times that Strong fully embodied the role on set. Sorkin observed that Strong interacted with coworkers the way he imagines Mark Zuckerberg treats people. This included not speaking in his own voice, not walking normally, and not joking between takes. Sorkin added that Strong is probably not going to speak to coworkers at all.

The film follows whistleblower Frances Haugen as she teams up with Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz to expose Facebook's inner workings. The cast includes Jeremy Allen White, Mikey Madison, Bill Burr, Betty Gilpin, and Billy Magnussen.

Strong’s reflections on backlash

Strong discussed the criticism on a recent episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast, hosted by David Remnick. He said he was hurt by co-stars being dismissive of his process. Much of the criticism was presented out of context or with a certain agenda, he argued. Strong previously told The Hollywood Reporter that the original New Yorker profile was painful. He felt he had a safe forum there to share his thoughts, an experience later put in doubt.

He acknowledged there was friction with co-stars but emphasized his deep respect and love for them. Regarding whether his process interferes, Strong said, I think I can’t really speak to that. The Social Reckoning hits theaters on October 9.