Benedict Cumberbatch Distances Himself from Hollywood’s Iconic Stars
Exploring fame, identity, and his unconventional allure.
In a world dominated by Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, Benedict Cumberbatch makes it clear: he’s not your typical Hollywood star. In a revealing conversation with Variety, the actor, who has become a household name through his iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series, takes a step back from the glitzy world of fame, offering a refreshingly candid take on what it means to be “famous.”
“I’m not Brad, I’m not Leo, I’m not a typical movie star,” Cumberbatch, 48, said, firmly separating himself from the legendary stars of Hollywood’s golden age. The actor reflected on his rise to fame, which reached new heights after his work as the brilliant detective on Sherlock. Yet, despite his fame, Cumberbatch has always found the notion of being a “sex symbol” or “movie star” rather puzzling.
A Reluctant Sex Symbol
The topic of being perceived as a sex symbol seems to be a double-edged sword for the actor. While he’s made multiple appearances on People’s annual “Sexiest Man Alive” list, Cumberbatch admits he doesn’t fully understand why he’s labeled this way.
“I don’t sit there thinking, ‘Why am I attractive?’ I’m just concerned with how I look as I get older, like any other normal person,” he confessed. This vulnerability and relatability seem to be a hallmark of his public persona. Despite being known for his striking features and sharp wit, the actor expresses a clear discomfort with the glitzy, often superficial world of celebrity.
Hollywood Fame and the “Famous” Label
Though the fame he’s achieved undeniably plays a role in getting projects off the ground, Cumberbatch is critical of the term “celebrity.” “It’s insulting, grouping all famous people together,” he said. “Am I famous? Well, why? For selling cheese? For being on a reality show? For doing something ridiculous? Or for being an actor?”
For him, fame is not a commodity; it’s a complex, and often invasive, force that doesn’t define him. The actor is all too aware of how the public’s perception of him can oversimplify his identity and work, stripping away the essence of who he is.
New Film: The Thing with Feathers
While Cumberbatch may resist the label of “movie star,” his latest project shows the depth of his craft. The Thing with Feathers, which is slated for its debut at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, is a deeply personal exploration of grief and fatherhood. In this film, Cumberbatch plays a man who is struggling with the loss of his wife while trying to care for his two young children. His character begins to lose touch with reality, becoming convinced that he and his children are being haunted by a giant crow.
As Cumberbatch continues to delve into more complex roles, it’s clear that he sees himself not as a conventional star, but as an artist who chooses projects based on their emotional depth rather than their potential to add to his star power.
In the world of glitz and glam, where most actors are eager to fit into the Hollywood mould, Benedict Cumberbatch stands apart, offering a nuanced reflection on fame, identity, and the human experience. Whether or not he wants to admit it, he is, in his own unique way, one of the most intriguing stars of his generation.
