Brian Cox, the 79-year-old actor best known for his role on HBO’s Succession, accidentally exposed himself to an audience while wearing a kilt during a post‑screening question-and-answer session at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Cox was onstage Thursday following the premiere of his directorial debut, Glenrothan, when a fan in the front row told him he was flashing the audience. He responded with a series of quips, asked, “Is it that bad? Or that good?” and then closed his knees. He defended the garment, saying, “You have to wear the kilt the proper way. The kilt is designed to make you cool and free. And it’s a f—ing wonderful freedom.”
The audience repeatedly chanted, “Your legs! Your legs!” during the session, and Cox teased that the producer, Neil Zeiger, who was seated in the front row and also wearing a kilt, was likely wearing underwear. Zeiger, 75, nodded in agreement. Cox later apologized for an ironic turn of phrase he used while discussing the film, saying, “What an unfortunate phrase. I’m really sorry about this. I never thought I’d be in this position.”
Glenrothan follows two brothers after a violent exchange with their father on the day of their mother's funeral; one of the brothers left their Highland home for America and, after 40 years, they reunite in Scotland. Cox stars as Sandy and appeared at TIFF with cast members Alexandra Shipp and Shirley Henderson. Co‑stars Siobhan Redmond and Alan Cumming did not attend.
Cox’s appearance at TIFF marks his first time in the director’s chair after the conclusion of Succession, the HBO drama in which he played Logan Roy from 2018 through the series’ 2023 finale. The show’s fourth season, which aired in 2023, won multiple Emmy Awards.
During the Q&A, Cox also offered comments about filmmaking, saying he wanted Glenrothan to tell a story rather than be made to “cover their ass… or not,” a remark he acknowledged as awkward given the kilt incident. His remarks about filmmaking echoed recent public comments in which he criticized certain method acting practices. In previous interviews, Cox said a performer who remains in character at all times can be “not good for the ensemble” and that such an approach “creates hostility.” He has said those remarks were not personal attacks but reflections on acting techniques.
Festival audiences laughed and applauded at multiple points during the session, and Cox maintained a jocular tone while addressing questions about the film, costuming and his collaborators. Glenrothan is billed as a personal project for Cox and represents his transition behind the camera after a long acting career that includes stage, film and television work.
Representatives for Cox and TIFF did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The screening and ensuing exchange added an unexpected note to the festival appearance as Cox continues to promote his new film.