James Cosmo

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James Cosmo is HOSTAGE on Netflix! Thriller Star Reckons Actors Should Run the Country

Scottish acting icon James Cosmo, known for classics like Braveheart and Game of Thrones, is back and starring in the gripping new Netflix political thriller, Hostage – and he thinks actors might be better suited for politics than actual politicians.

The 77-year-old legend is one of the top names in the drama, playing Max Dalton, the seriously ill father of the British Prime Minister, Abigail (played by the superb Suranne Jones).

A Real-Life Political Nightmare

Hostage plunges into a sinister plot where PM Abigail’s husband is kidnapped, and the visiting French President, Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy), is blackmailed. Dalton cuts a forlorn figure as he battles cancer while his daughter faces an impossible dilemma: resign immediately or risk her husband’s life.

Cosmo, who played Campbell in the Mel Gibson epic Braveheart, joked that his on-screen daughter, Suranne Jones, would give real-life politicians a run for their money.

“I think that it would be a good lesson for politicians to be more of themselves and not so much a politician,” he stated.

He believes the modern political landscape rewards communicators and people with presence—skills actors possess—over “philosophers and thinkers.”

“That Could Really Happen”

While the plot is fictional, James is convinced the high-pressure twists in Hostage could easily play out in the modern world.

“It’s a real high-pressure political thriller. I think with new access to the internet, politics is becoming outrageous,” he said. “You can look at a TV show or movie and think, ‘that could really happen’. I wouldn’t be all that surprised if this situation came up.”

The series forces the British PM and the French President to set aside their differences and work together, with the world watching, as they decide whether to meet the terrorist demands or stand strong and risk lives.

Lying Down on the Job (Literally!)

Cosmo’s character, Max Dalton, spends much of his time in a hospital bed as he battles cancer—a welcome change for the action veteran.

“It’s terrific. The older I get, I have riders in my contracts now that say I’ve either got to be sitting or lying down,” he quipped.

The actor admits the drama made him glad his own sons steered clear of politics, a world he’s happy to observe from a distance. “I don’t think as an actor I should have influence. I’ve got one vote and everybody else has got one vote and I don’t wish to influence people because they know my face from the telly.”

Supporting the Arts in the Age of AI

Having featured in several big Netflix productions, James praised the streaming giant for providing a platform for “new directors, new actors and new writers.”

However, he voiced concern over the rise of AI and the challenge it poses for young performers.

“I don’t know where AI is going to take us but I don’t think it’s going to get any easier for actors,” he admitted, stressing the need for continued support for the arts. “It’s vital that we do as I believe AI can only go so far. We need content that challenges people to think.“

Don’t miss Scottish legend James Cosmo and Suranne Jones in the heart-pounding political thriller, Hostage, streaming now only on Netflix.

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James Cosmo Takes a Leap into the Sci-Fi World with ‘Voidance’

Iconic actor James Cosmo, known for his roles in Highlander, Troy, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, is venturing into the realm of science fiction with his latest project, Voidance. The film, currently in post-production, offers a thrilling glimpse into a futuristic world where loyalties are tested and choices have far-reaching consequences.

A Stellar Ensemble:

Cosmo leads an impressive cast, including Zoe Cunningham, Neil Bishop, Mim Shaikh, Billy Price, and Chris Charles. The film, shot in London, is directed by Marianna Dean, marking her second feature.

Intriguing Plot:

Voidance follows Alana Toro (Cunningham) as she faces her final exam to join the ATIC Guard. Tasked with preventing a historical terrorist attack, Alana delves deeper into the scenario and begins to question her unwavering loyalty to ATIC. As she uncovers the motivations of both terrorists and bystanders, she grapples with a difficult choice: will she enact the solution she’s found, even if it goes against her newfound understanding?

A Director’s Vision:

Director Marianna Dean shares her excitement about working on such a “fast-paced and intriguing project,” drawn in by the script’s captivating blend of sci-fi elements and realistic characters.

Cosmo’s Enthusiasm:

Cosmo expresses his love for the science fiction genre and his enjoyment in playing this character, adding a touch of his signature charisma to the film.

With its compelling storyline, talented cast, and visionary director, Voidance is poised to become a must-watch for fans of both James Cosmo and thought-provoking science fiction. Keep an eye out for this exciting new addition to the sci-fi landscape!

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Lights, Camera, Action in Wales: ‘Salvable’ Wraps Filming!

The Welsh landscape has just set the scene for the highly-anticipated boxing crime-drama, Salvable. Featuring a star-studded cast led by Toby Kebbell, Shia LaBeouf, and James Cosmo, the film promises a captivating tale of redemption and the fight of a lifetime.

Salvable - Promotional Image. (C) Metro International

A Knockout Cast:

Salvable boasts an impressive ensemble, including Kila Lord Cassidy, Elaine Cassidy, Michael Socha, Aiysha Hart, Nell Hudson, and Barry Ward. Adding authenticity to the boxing world, former World Champion boxer Carl Froch trained the lead actors and makes a cameo appearance.

A Story of Redemption:

At the heart of Salvable is Sal “The Bull”, a washed-up boxer nearing 40, played by Kebbell. Haunted by regrets, Sal’s life takes a turn when his old friend Vince (LaBeouf) introduces him to the world of illegal boxing. This opportunity offers a chance at redemption, but it threatens his bond with his daughter, Molly (Lord Cassidy).

Behind the Scenes:

Salvable marks the directorial debut of UK-based duo Franklin & Marchetta, known for their music videos. Producers include Jamie Gamache and Connor O’Hara for Lowkey Films, and Julien Loeffler and James Kermack for Featuristic Films. Aisling Knight of CBA Casting led the casting efforts, and Simon Plunket is the Director of Photography.

A Global Sensation:

With Metro International Entertainment handling worldwide sales, Salvable has already generated buzz across the globe, securing pre-sales in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Former Yugoslavia, CIS, and the Middle East.

Stay tuned for more updates on Salvable, a film that promises to pack a punch both in and out of the ring!

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Braveheart actor James Cosmo lights up Stirling Old Brig ceremony

Hundreds of people attended last Friday evening’s lights ceremony by Stirling’s historic Old Brig.

Scots actor James Cosmo flicked on the switch for the new LED floodlighting at the ancient monument.

After the lights were on musicians entertained the crowd for around three hours at the park nearby – with the finale featuring the actor joining in on a rousing rendition of Loch Lomond.

The work on the Old Brig had been overseen by the Guardians of Scotland Trust (GoST).

Bannockburn’s Ted Christopher, of GoST, said this week: “Friday night went really well. I’m guessing there could have been around 1000 folk there all in. “Everyone enjoyed themselves and James Cosmo spent a lot of time with people who wanted to have selfies with him. “There was a really fantastic atmosphere.

“And it was great to have James up on stage singing along to Loch Lomond at the end of the night.”

During a film career of more than 50 years James Cosmo’s credits include Scottish historical film dramas Braveheart (1995) and The Outlaw King (2018).

Musicians at the concert included Benny Gallagher (Gallagher and Lyle), Gordon Menzies (Gaberlunzie), Ian Bayne (Runrig) and Bannockburn’s Ted Christopher.

The new lights had been supplied and installed by technical services company FES.

Friday night’s concert was in aid of the proposed GoST ‘Brothers in Arms’ memorial to commemorate the role played in the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge by co-commanders Andrew de Moray and William Wallace.

A model of the monument featuring Wallace and de Moray was unveiled at the city’s Smith Art Gallery and Museum in 2018.

Campaigners hope that the sculpture will be installed on the north side of the Forth, near the bridge where Wallace and de Moray once stood in battle.

Wallace and de Moray’s army had inflicted a shattering defeat on much larger English forces as they attempted to cross the Forth in September 1297.

Artist Malcolm Robertson, based in Fife, was awarded the ‘Brothers in Arms’ design commission in 2016.

Ted added: “Until now the site of one of Scotland’s most important battles has been largely overlooked.

“The Trust believes it is time to put that right and also to tell the true story of the battle and give Andrew de Moray recognition alongside William Wallace as being co-commander of the Scottish army.”

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Braveheart actor James Cosmo to switch on new lights at Old Stirling Bridge

Scots actor James Cosmo will switch on new floodlighting at Stirling’s historic Old Brig in a ceremony next month.

The work on the scheduled ancient monument, comprising new LED lighting, has been overseen by the Guardians of Scotland Trust (GoST).

During a film career of more than 50 years James Cosmo’s credits include Scottish historical film dramas Braveheart (1995) and The Outlaw King (2018).

Stirling musician Ted Christopher of GoST said of the new lighting: “We are delighted to have had the generous support of technical services company FES who are supplying and installing the lighting free of charge. “This alone, will be of huge benefit both to the city as a tourist attraction and to increasing interest in the site itself.”

Following the ceremony – to take place on the north bank of the Forth on Friday March 10 at 6.45pm – there will be a concert at Stirling Rugby Club, Bridgehaugh.

It is in aid of the proposed GoST ‘Brothers in Arms’ memorial to commemorate the role played in the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge by co-commanders Andrew de Moray and William Wallace.

A model of the monument featuring Wallace and de Moray was unveiled at the city’s Smith Art Gallery and Museum in 2018.

Campaigners hope that the sculpture will be installed on the north side of the Forth, near the bridge where Wallace and de Moray once stood in battle.

Wallace and de Moray’s army had inflicted a shattering defeat on much larger English forces as they attempted to cross the Forth in September 1297.

Artist Malcolm Robertson, based in Fife, was awarded the ‘Brothers in Arms’ design commission in 2016.

The fundraising concert at Bridgehaugh will include Benny Gallagher (Gallagher and Lyle), Gordon Menzies (Gaberlunzie), Ian Bayne (Runrig) and Ted Christopher.

Ted added: “Until now the site of one of Scotland’s most important battles has been largely overlooked.

The Trust believes it is time to put that right and also to tell the true story of the battle and give Andrew de Moray recognition alongside William Wallace as being co-commander of the Scottish army.”

The full line up and details for the Bridgehaugh concert will be released soon