Is Brian Cox Regretting His Choice to Portray Charles Xavier? Insights from X-Men: First Class

Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist, had a famous quote that echoed a sense of relief: "I woke up this morning and thought 'Lucky me— I get to be the star of my own reality show.'" While Hawking’s perspective jestfully reflects on his unique situation in the real world, the actor Brian Cox, who portrayed the iconic character of Professor Charles Xavier in 2011's X-Men: First Class, might have felt a similar sentiment, albeit for entirely different reasons. Does Brian Cox have regrets about his portrayal of Charles Xavier in that film?

Brian Cox: From the Big to the Small Screen

Before diving headfirst into the cinematic world of X-Men, Cox had already established himself in a variety of genres and formats. His early work largely revolved around his work in the British television series "The Family Mancer" and his role as Colonel William Stryker in the 2003 film "X2: X-Men United". Despite his extensive experience, the opportunity to reprise his role as Charles Xavier in "X-Men: First Class" presented an intriguing challenge and a chance to establish a more nuanced and complex character than what was presented in earlier films.

X-Men: First Class and Prof. Xavier

X-Men: First Class marked a significant departure from the established Marvel film template both stylistically and character-wise. In this film, Professor Charles Xavier, portrayed by James McAvoy, is seen in his earlier days as a brilliant but troubled scientist aspiring to heal mutants and build a world where they and humans can live in peace. The film delved deep into the origins of the X-Men, their struggles, and the connections that formed among them.

Behind the Scenes: Cox's Qualities

Cox's portrayal of Colonel Stryker in "X2" was a notable performance, characterized by a mix of authority and malice. However, stepping into the shoes of Professor Xavier required a different scope of performance. Cox, known for his strong performances, admitted that he approached the role with the mindset of crafting a more complex and sympathetic character, especially as the film explored the early days of the X-Men's formation.

Despite this, some viewers and critics felt that his performance did not match the depth that McAvoy brought to the character. Cox, in interviews, has been candid about the decision to return to the role of Stryker in a later film. While he appreciates the character development in "X-Men: First Class", he also acknowledges the challenges of portraying such a specific, iconic figure.

Public Perception and Media Response

The critical and fan reception of Cox's performance in "X-Men: First Class" was mixed. While some praised his ability to convey the complexity of Xavier, others felt that the character's transformation was more than what the script allowed for. This mixed response led to a ripple of opinions on whether Cox might have any regrets about his participation in the film.

In an interview with BBC, Cox discussed his feelings about stepping into the role of Professor Xavier and the general opinions surrounding his performance: "I think the character has a twisted sort of nobility. There's a real sadness, a real sense of being misunderstood, and a deep yearning for connection. It's a challenging role, and I feel that ultimately, the Christ-like figure I tried to create might have been too much for the film to handle." While he expressed his satisfaction with the intention, the execution did not quite reach his personal bar.

Conclusion: Brian Cox and His Future

Ultimately, Brian Cox's regret about his portrayal of Charles Xavier in "X-Men: First Class" is a matter of personal reflection. While he may have felt that the character required a more nuanced exploration, the overall response to his performance and his approach to the role suggest that he understood and embraced the complexity involved. As with any actor, the journey of interpretation and performance is as crucial as the success of the final product.