Benedict Cumberbatch Discusses Controversial Role and the Apologies That Followed

Benedict Cumberbatch, a highly versatile actor renowned for his roles in critically acclaimed films and beloved television series, reflects on a particularly contentious performance in his career. Cumberbatch has made a name for himself through notable roles in Academy Award-winning films as well as blockbuster franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he portrays Doctor Stephen Strange in various titles, including Doctor Strange and Avengers: Infinity War. Additionally, he captivated audiences as the iconic Sherlock Holmes in the acclaimed BBC series Sherlock, which aired from 2010 to 2017.

His filmography features award-winning titles such as The Imitation Game, The Power of the Dog, and 1917. Cumberbatch also showcased his talent in The Hobbit series, lending his voice and motion-capture performance to the fearsome dragon Smaug and the malevolent Sauron. Furthermore, he ventured into the Star Trek universe by taking on the role of Khan in 2013’s Star Trek: Into Darkness. Despite his impressive array of projects, not every role has garnered positive reception from critics or audiences.

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Controversial Role in Zoolander 2

He Has Addressed the Controversy

In his portrayal of the non-binary fashion model named All, Cumberbatch sparked significant controversy. The intent behind introducing this character was to highlight the disconnection between fashion figures and contemporary societal norms. However, the casting choice of a cisgender male actor for this role drew backlash and overshadowed the intended satirical commentary.

Zoolander 2 received overwhelmingly negative reviews, achieving a disappointing 22% score on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes.

In an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch reflected on the challenges of discussing his role in Zoolander 2. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with director Ben Stiller and the original creative team, but acknowledged the complications and resulting misunderstandings that arose from his performance. He has since committed to avoiding similar roles that could be potentially hurtful to audiences. Below are his candid reflections:

I’ve had to apologize for that quite a lot, so it’s a difficult one to talk about. I love that group of people, and it was a chance to be part of something that, the first time around, was iconic, and I was a huge fan of, but it got complicated. It got misunderstood, and I upset people and I respect that, so I probably wouldn’t do that again now.

Our Perspective on Benedict Cumberbatch’s Reflections

Zoolander 2’s Missed Opportunity

Ben Stiller as Derek Zoolander in Zoolander 2

The choice to cast a cisgender male actor to embody a non-binary character has been criticized as misguided. In a film designed to highlight cultural dissonance, the production inadvertently became disconnected from its own objective. There are numerous films offering authentic representation of non-binary characters, and it is imperative for future industry endeavors to focus on genuine visibility. Cumberbatch’s reflections signify a step in the right direction for personal accountability and learning within the entertainment sector.

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Role Among Other Critiques of Zoolander 2

Widespread Negative Reception

Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Penelope Cruz walking in Zoolander 2

While Cumberbatch’s role as All remains a focal point of criticism in Zoolander 2, the film faced an array of disapprovals. With a Tomatometer score of just 22% on Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences uniformly rejected the film. A significant criticism centered on the film’s excessive emphasis on celebrity cameos over substantive comedy. Stars like Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, and Justin Bieber contributed to a star-studded cast, but rather than enhancing the narrative, their appearances became mere distractions.

The original Zoolander effectively integrated celebrity cameos, such as David Bowie, without compromising its comedic essence. Unfortunately, Zoolander 2 lacked this balance, as both critics and viewers noted a stark absence of humor and meaningful content. It’s a prime example that highlights how a sequel can fall flat, demonstrating that star power alone cannot salvage creative shortcomings. The film marks a rare slip in Cumberbatch’s otherwise esteemed career.

Sources: Variety, Rotten Tomatoes

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