“Succession” star Brian Cox will make his feature directorial debut on a Scottish drama in which he will also star called “Glenrothan” that he describs as a love letter and homage to his native Scotland.
“Glenrothan” will be co-developed by Lionsgate U.K. and the London-based indie producer Nevision, and Cox will direct the film based on a script co-written by David Ashton and Jeff Murphy.
“Glenrothan” is set in the Scottish Highlands in a thriving distillery town and tells the story of two estranged brothers who reunite in their homeland to run their family whisky distillery, having last spoken on the day of their mother’s funeral 40 years earlier and subsequently leaving for America after a violent exchange with their father.
Lionsgate U.K.’s head of development and acquisitions, Emma Berkofsky, is developing the film with Nevision’s creative director, scripted, Neil Zeiger, who will also produce. Nevision’s James Cabourne will executive produce.
“’Glenrothan’ is my homage to the elements that make Scotland such an extraordinary country, where vibrancy and majesty of the land is expressed through passion and desire – balanced by the Scot’s deep-rooted humor and grasp of the absurd. I want to make a film which combines all the elements, to show my own deep love for the homeland,” Cox said in a statement.
“’Glenrothan’ was conceived with Brian in mind. Without question he is one of the most powerful actors of his generation,” Zeiger said. “However, having worked with him in front of the camera, I knew that his extensive knowledge and vision would elevate the film even further were he to also direct the movie. Emma Berkofsky at Lionsgate agreed, and an exciting collaboration was born. Personally, I’m thrilled to be working with Brian again.”
“We loved the idea of Brian making a film about two estranged brothers forced to come together to save the family whiskey distillery. It’s a heartwarming story which shows it’s never too late to make amends — we couldn’t be more excited to bring his vision to the big screen,” Berkofsky added.
Cox currently stars on “Succession” as Logan Roy, for which he’s been Emmy nominated. Though he directed an episode of “Oz” back in 2000, “Glenrothan” will be his feature film directorial debut. In film he’s known for roles in “Rob Roy,” “Braveheart,” “The Bourne Identity,” “X-Men 2,” “Zodiac” and more. He’ll next be seen in “Prisoner’s Daughter” from director Catherine Hardwicke.