Adrien Brody explains the inspiration behind his new character in the youngest actor ever to win the Oscar for Best Actor. Over the last two decades, he's maintained a healthy balance of blockbuster and arthouse fare, starring in giant spectacles like King Kong while also appearing in four Wes Anderson movies.
Though his movie roles certainly defined his meteoric rise, Brody has been no stranger to prestige TV in recent years, with Peaky Blinders and now Succession to add to his resume. It was announced back in May that the actor would appear in season 3 as billionaire investor Josh Aaronson, adding another fresh face to the show's rogues' gallery of rich rapscallions. The character just appeared for the first time in Succession season 3 episode 4, titled "Lion in the Meadow," tactically exhausting a beleaguered Logan Roy both physically and financially.
When Brody spoke with Variety about his inspirations for the Josh Aaronson character, he was hesitant to name any specific real-life figures, though he did note his performance came from meeting many similar people throughout his life. The kind of mental strength required for the level of gaslighting Josh uses stems from a personality type that's both "disarming and dangerous." Read Brody's full quote on his new Succession character below:
I’m not one to name names, but it was an amalgamation of a number of people I’ve encountered. It bleeds into some very strong people that I’ve known — a personality that I’ve felt is both disarming and dangerous. Whether it’s metaphorically implied or physically dangerous or a combination, the threat is real. Josh is in a rare position to genuinely hold a level of authority and exude strength that is superior to Logan. He’s able to ascertain the fragility between the relationship of father and son and to put that to the test in this elaborate meeting that he’s constructed. Even though there’s a lot of levity in the depiction of it all, it’s a really deep and and well-thought game that Josh is embarking on.
The Oscar winner heavily collaborated with series creator Jesse Armstrong on the finer details of the character, including Aaronson's wardrobe and connection to the environment. His choices to wear so many layers and spring a strenuous last-minute hike on Logan and Kendall, Brody says, all constitute the way Aaronson is subtly challenging the father and son's credibility.
Succession's immense popularity since the first season has attracted plenty of star power that doesn't seem to be depleting anytime soon. Season 2 saw the introduction of Rhea Jarrell, Logan's rival-turned-ally-turned-rival played by Oscar winner Holly Hunter. Season 3 appears to be doubling down, as Adrien Brody will be scooting over to make room for the introduction of Alexander Skarsgård later this season. With consistently strong ratings and a ravenous fan base, Succession will likely stay in the crosshairs of A-list movie stars looking to dive into the pool of prestige TV.
Source: Variety