Brian Cox to star in Ian Rankin's virtual play for National Theatre of Scotland series

Brian Cox is to play Rebus in a new online adaptation of Ian Rankin’s Edinburgh-set gritty detective thrillers.

Brian Cox is to play Rebus in a new online adaptation of Ian Rankin’s Edinburgh-set gritty detective thrillers.

The Hollywood-based actor was first suggested for the role by the author himself 12 years ago.

Cox, a Golden Globe award winner is working closely with Rankin on the virtual play which will be performed as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s ‘Scenes for Survival’ series.

Brian Cox, a Golden Globe award winner is working closely with Rankin on the virtual play which will be performed as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s ‘Scenes for Survival’ series.

He told STV News: “I’m working with Cora Bissett and we’re doing an Ian Rankin. I’m playing Rebus for the first time” he said in an interview with STV News.

“Ian has been there through it and we’ve had a couple of rehearsals. Next I need to record some stuff and send it to him.”

Throughout the years, both fans and the character’s creator Ian Rankin have expressed their wish to see Cox take on the role.

In a 2008 interview with the Daily Mirror, Rankin said: “Brian Cox could pick up the mantle. He is a fantastic actor and I like him a lot.”

Scenes for Survival is a season of digital theatre from the National Theatre of Scotland.

Mark Bonnar, Tam Dean Burn and Alan Cumming are also appearing – with proceeds going to a fund for artists and theatre workers who have been hit financially Covid-19.