Interview with Professor Brian Cox
Interview with Professor Brian Cox, specialist advisor on Hard Sun.
Published: 27 December 2017
We are potentially the only civilisation among two billion stars in our galaxy. The most likely outcome is that we will wipe ourselves out by being stupid.
How did you become part of the Hard Sun team?
I got involved through the BBC. They put me in touch with Neil, who wanted to have a chat about different apocalyptic scenarios. He wanted to get an idea of the probability of such a scenario, and establish whether a five-year timescale was conceivable and whether you would get that kind of notice.
So is that idea conceivable?
Yes, there are conceivable apocalypses which you’d have notice of. There will be one in the future - the question is just when.
What do you think is the most likely apocalypse we might face?
The most likely apocalypse is one we cause ourselves by wiping ourselves out through ignorance. We are potentially the only civilisation among two billion stars in our galaxy. The most likely outcome is that we will wipe ourselves out by being stupid. But assuming we find a way to stop being stupid, we may still face an apocalypse. But at least we’ll know there’s nothing we can do about it.
Does the possibility of an apocalypse scare you?
No, in fact, quite the reverse. It tells me that we’re extremely lucky. Understanding nature should tell us that we are astonishingly fortunate to be here. There may be very few places in the universe where beings can say that. That should inform us that we should study Nature. The only insurance policy we have is to understand Nature.
What conclusions might we draw from watching Hard Sun?
That we live in a dangerous universe. In fact, it’s quite remarkable that Earth has survived for 4½ billion years without a major catastrophe wiping out all life!
What was your reaction when you first read the script for Hard Sun?
It slightly annoyed me [laughs]. I’d been very busy, and I was ready to take a break and do some music. Then I read this and went my, oh my God, it’s really good! By page five, I was saying to myself, oh no, I’m going to have to do it. Dammit!
What stood out for you about Neil Cross’s writing?
It has one of the most interesting, unique, brilliant introductions to a character I’ve ever read. Hicks, the character I play, goes from A to Z in five seconds. You start thinking he is one thing, and then immediately you’re led in the totally different direction. I was instantly drawn in by the possibility of what this could be and where this could go.
What does the unique setting provide?
It reminds us that we are all here together and that we could all go out together. It asks what an impending apocalypse would do to society. We all may face that one day. We are not going to be here forever. The story has overwhelming moments where the characters ask, what’s going to happen next? And then they get sucked into everyday life and relationship issues and the challenges of how to be a good friend. Every character is disturbed in this piece. Neil’s writing is just thrilling.
Do you enjoy variety of tones in Hard Sun?
Absolutely. It’s so rewarding. Hard Sun has moments of family drama, of cop show, and of sci-fi. It is brutal and tender, heartfelt and aggressive. It’s the most wonderfully varied show to work on.
Can you outline Hicks character for us?
The only way to describe him is how he would describe himself. He accepts that occasionally he’ll do bad things for the benefit of the greater good. But all the same he believes 100 percent that he is a good guy who is pursuing the greater good. He’s a natural with people and would consider himself an excellent family man with strong values. He’s an amazing dad and husband and leader and team player.
How would you characterise his relationship with Renko?
They deeply distrust each other from the very beginning. But they’re thrown together by this idea of Hard Sun, which binds them together completely. Each ends up being the only one the other one has, but at the same time, they screw each other over. It’s a spaghetti junction of human complications!
What was your response when you heard you would be working opposite Agyness?
The minute her name was brought up, I was very excited. I knew what a great actress she is. I love it when people think out of the box. Renko is a killer part. She’s such a strong, ass-kicking, brilliant, complicated human being. It’s a golden role for any actress, and Agyness plays it superbly.
How have you found it working with her?
Agyness has been brilliant. She brings it. We have both been pulled apart and put back together while making this drama. But Agyness in particular has been dragged through the mill. However, she’s made of strong stuff, and she’s been amazing.
You had to do a lot of your own stunts in Hard Sun, did it go smoothly?
No! I took a hit from Agyness when she was wearing a knuckleduster. She smacked me in the nose. There was a lot of blood, but I think she was more upset than I was!
In Hard Sun, how does society react as the apocalypse draws closer?
Hicks says: “All the madness is going to come out of the woodwork,” and he’s right. It immediately divides people. The drama asks whether in this situation society would behave in a sane or a really dangerous way. That confusion unites Hicks and Renko. They have a common understanding that it is bigger than anything else.
What do you hope that viewers will take away from Hard Sun?
I think they’ll find it compulsive. It’s a bombardment of ideas, and audiences will be gripped by it. From the moment it starts, it doesn’t let you go!
