Brian Cox Regrets Calling Johnny Depp 'Overrated' In Memoir, Admits To Being 'A Bit Glib'

KEY POINTS

Brian Cox admitted that he regretted saying Johnny Depp was overblown and overrated in his memoir
Cox felt that he was a bit harsh and shared that he went for the easy joke when he targetted Depp
The "Succession" star defended himself, saying he was not that critical and was being "a bit glib, a bit flip"

Brian Cox got candid about how he felt after calling Johnny Depp "overblown" and "overrated."

Cox, 75, appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Monday, and during his appearance, he recounted his statements about the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star in his memoir "Putting the Rabbit in the Hat." He admitted that he "sort of regretted" what he wrote about the actor in his book.

"I've heard a lot from his … they call it a fan club, but I think it's some kind of CIA agency that works on his behalf," he said. "I just thought I was being a bit harsh. You know what it's like — you go for the easy joke. And I went for the easy joke."

The "Succession" star said that the paperback version of his book for the U.K. market would include an addendum and would not touch on his previous comments on Depp.

"I’m not like that normally; I was just being a bit glib, a bit flip," Cox explained.

In his book, the "Braveheart" actor made bold remarks about Depp that raised several eyebrows, especially from the fans of the "Tourist" actor.

"Personable though I’m sure he is, [he] is so overblown, so overrated," he wrote about Depp. "I mean, Edward Scissorhands. Let’s face it, if you come on with hands like that and pale, scarred-face make-up, you don’t have to do anything. And he didn’t. And subsequently, he’s done even less."

He also seemingly shaded the actor's reputation, saying that his profile was declining and even questioned if the public loved him.

"But people love him. Or they did love him. They don’t love him so much these days, of course. If Johnny Depp went for Jack Sparrow now, they’d give it to Brendan Gleeson," he added.

Several netizens slammed Cox for his statements. Some even accused him of using Depp for clicks.

"Well, Depp is great. Especially in 'Pirates.' As far as I understand, Johnny Depp's name is here for clicks and to attract an audience. This cannot be overrated," one person wrote on social media.

"Not this man using Johnny for attention again," another person commented on Twitter.

Meanwhile, some online users supported Cox and agreed that Depp was overrated. One said that Cox was unlikely to use the "Minamata" star because he starred in one of the most talked-about shows at the time while Depp was creating buzz after his firing from "Fantastic Beasts."

Even if Depp lost some of his projects, the award-winning actor would come back to work soon. Depp will star as King Louis XV in French helmer Maiwenn's upcoming movie, whose title and exact plot are kept under wraps. They will start filming this summer, Variety reported.