Category Archives: Star Trek: Into Darkness
Star Trek: Into Darkness Now Offered On Amazon Prime…
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TIFF 2013: Benedict Cumberbatch and the Curious Case of the Auburn Hair
**Older, but funny article…
Benedict Cumberbatch talks TIFF ‘It Boy’ status, playing Julian Assange and his real hair color.
The auburn-haired Benedict Cumberbatch was happy to be an “It Boy” at the Toronto International Film Festival and grateful for his roles in The Fifth Estate, 12 Years a Slave and August: Osage County.
Benedict Cumberbatch arrives nearly an hour late for our scheduled interview during TIFF, but then we should have expected this, shouldn’t we?
He was, after all, extremely busy as the “It Boy” of TIFF 2013, appearing in three of the most talked-about films at the fest: gala opener The Fifth Estate, and Oscar hopefuls 12 Years a Slave and August: Osage County.
Cumberbatch, 37, shared TIFF “It Boy” status with fellow British actor Daniel Radcliffe, who also had three films at the fest. The Star christened the pair “Brit Boys” in a headline.
“I’m very flattered by that,” Cumberbatch says. “Just because I’ve got 10 years on Daniel. I’d be a Brit Boy any time you’d like.”
Being an It Boy or Brit Boy comes with important duties big and small, it seems. Cumberbatch had barely seated himself at the chair and side table he was using for his Toronto interviews (which, oddly, resembled a home rec-room version of the Enterprise bridge on Star Trek) when a man came out of nowhere carrying a plain white dinner plate.
He wanted Cumberbatch to autograph it with black marker, which the actor cheerfully did.
But to get back to why it should come as no surprise that Cumberbatch was so late for his interview, we need to recall something he told The Independent newspaper in 2008.
Asked to finish the sentence, “A phrase I use far too often is . . . ” he replied: “‘Sorry I’m late!’ I’m a terrible timekeeper.”
He said this back when he was getting good notices for having portrayed physicist Stephen Hawking in the BBC drama Hawking. It was still some time before his current superstardom playing Sherlock Holmes in the BBC-TV series Sherlock, launched in 2010, and his more recent acclaim as the super villain in Star Trek Into Darkness and the scorching dragon Smaug in the coming The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
And that’s only a fraction of his current projects, with rumors of a Star Wars prequel/sequel in the mix.
So we shouldn’t be surprised about the lateness, should we? And Cumberbatch is indeed apologetic. It seems he nipped outside the interview room in the Ritz Carlton Hotel for a quick ciggie and respite from the mayhem.
“Sorry, it’s my first TIFF and I am so busy I can’t even see one of the films I’m in,” he says.
I remark at how relaxed he looks, considering how in-demand he is.
“I just got some fresh air; it does wonders for you getting out of a hotel room. But yeah, I look all right. I’m doing OK.”
With Holmesian acuity I observe that he’s wearing brown slacks, a blue denim shirt, a white striped summer sport coat and striped canvas sneakers, sans socks.
I further note with alarm that his hair is a dark reddish-brown, not at all like the “naturally blond” hue I had described in an earlier Star article. I had committed the journalistic sin of assuming it was his natural colour, because I’d seen it that way onscreen many times, including The Fifth Estate, due in theatres Oct. 18, in which he plays notorious WikiLeaks whistle blower Julian Assange.
Describing Cumberbatch as a “natural blond” brought me under sniper fire from his many fans on Twitter. Several of them indignantly scolded me, telling me that the lanky actor’s real hair colour is red, or “ginger” as the Brits call it.
“Well, you can sling s— back at them,” Cumberbatch says with a wry smile, rising to my defence. “I’m not ginger.”
Cumberbatch begins to elaborate, while the four publicists/assistants seated behind him look up from their iPhones and iPads with amused interest.
“I’m auburn and there is a difference,” he says firmly.
“I’ve got very good friends and relatives who are ginger and trust me, there’s a difference. And they ain’t ever gonna see the proof! They might say, ‘We saw it when you were the Creature in Frankenstein!’ (a stage play in which Cumberbatch appeared nude), but they didn’t, they didn’t! The Creature in Frankenstein had darker hair than me.
“That was one of the oddest moments of my life, applying makeup to that particular part of my body, but I have hair that is auburn. It’s got streaks of red in it, definitely. It’s also got streaks of bronze and lighter colours and darker brown colours. When I was a kid I was as blond as the young Julian in our film.”
Such precision is what you’d expect of the man who plays Sherlock Holmes, who can deduce a man’s entire life story from the ashes of his cigar. It could also describe, conveniently enough, the nitpicky ways of Assange, the Aussie computer boffin and muckraker who stunned the world (and terrified many world leaders) in 2010 when WikiLeaks, in cahoots with several major newspapers, dumped thousands of secret U.S. military and government documents into the public domain.
Cumberbatch reached out to Assange before portraying him in The Fifth Estate (which he does very well), but Mr. WikiLeaks was having none of it. Assange was also not inclined to broach any discussion about the subject, perhaps because he’s still living under diplomatic asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, still potentially facing legal charges in the U.S. and Sweden.
“I wanted to meet him, but he didn’t want to meet me,” Cumberbatch sighs, adding that he was turned down in writing, not verbally.
“I haven’t spoken to him. He didn’t want to condone a film that he felt was based on two poisonous accounts of events that might be detrimental to him and his institution and people, including some who are awaiting trial and possible extradition.
“I respected that, but at the same time as politely as he wrote to me, I returned to him and said, ‘I thoroughly disagree. This is a good thing; we want to portray you in all your glories. It’s not about vilifying you. It’s not about demonizing you. It’s not about making you into a hero, but it’s about trying to explore the complexities of it and it’s a film, not a documentary.’”
Cumberbatch’s normally perfect diction suddenly seems muffled. He sheepishly removes the maple sugar hard candy he’s been sucking on.
“Sorry, this is a really good sweet! Sorry if it’s making my diction s—!”
Despite being turned down by Assange, Cumberbatch still felt he needed to do right by the man, by showing him as more than just a humourless Internet troublemaker.
“I really profoundly wanted to show someone in private who had an emotional context, a sense of humour and the three-dimensionality which he can’t allow himself to show. I think that’s not because of being self-serving and protective, but because he doesn’t want to get in the way of the message.”
I point out to Cumberbatch that he’s not unlike Assange in his current state of notoriety. Everything the two of them say and do is under constant scrutiny, and they’re both caught in a whirlwind of media attention.
Cumberbatch keeps up a work schedule that would wear out three actors, perhaps making up for lost time over those years when he was a struggling unknown — such as when his film Starter for 10 played TIFF in 2006 and he wasn’t deemed important enough by the filmmakers to warrant an air ticket to Toronto for the fest.
How does he keep it up?
“Good diet and sleeping every now and again helps,” Cumberbatch says, grinning.
“I’ve got friends who keep me really grounded and for me — I guess in a way like Julian, although in a more flippant context — it’s about the work. So if the work is being celebrated, then all the other hoopla around it is nice, but it’s peripheral to the work.
“I’m in a really lucky position as well. I’m aware that not only is it an embarrassment of riches to have this many films at this festival, and ones with quality roles, but also that I’m actually employed at all. It’s a blessing in my industry. We’re oversubscribed and there are too many talented people who aren’t employed.”
I ask him if there any other real persons, alive or dead, whom he aspires to play in a film one day.
“Many, yes, but I’ve had quite a run on real figures, so it’s tricky to say no when they are as difficult and complex and rich and varied as the ones I’ve been asked to play, because I think that’s what draws all of us to their stories. They’re the extremes of humanity and that’s very interesting to watch and try and do.”
What he really longs to do, perhaps not surprisingly after the run of dark characters he’s been essaying, is to sing and dance.
“I’d like to play someone who can sing and dance. I’d like to do that. I’ve not done a musical. I’d also like to play a romantic comedy . . . there’s lots more stuff I’d like to do.”
Hmmm, perhaps he could combine the two, and do a biopic on Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire?
With Benedict Cumberbatch, as with Sherlock Holmes, no deduction is too wild to consider.
Roberto Orci has been confirmed as the new director for Star Trek 3, according to reports
**Okay, no confirmation as to whether or not Benedict will be returning as Khan-but as I am a major Trekkie, all I can say is-WHOOPEE! 
Orci will replace Star Trek director JJ Abrams, who is currently busy working on the Star Wars franchise.
The film will mark Orci’s directional debut, having previously worked as a writer and producer on two previous Star Trek films Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013).
It is unusual for a screenwriter to make a debut on such a large-scale film, and it is unclear yet whether JJ Abrams will serve as a mentor to Orci on the film.
Orci co-wrote the first two Star Trek films with ex-writing partner Alex Kurtzman, who he recently parted ways with to pursue solo projects.
He is currently writing the script to Star Trek 3 with JD Payne and Patrick McKay, and has reportedly been keen to replace Abrams for some time.
His previous writing and producing credits include The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), Transformers (2007) and Mission: Impossible III (2006).
Plot details for Star Trek 3 are as yet unknown, but cast members including Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are expected to return for the sequel.
Star Trek: Into Darkness Round Table
**Here is a terrific round table discussion with the cast and director of Star Trek: Into Darkness..
**Here the cast is asked by a Twitter follower to imitate Benedict Cumberbatch…
Star Trek: Into Darkness Images
**Here are some random Star Trek: Into Darkness images…
**Neutron Cream!
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Benedict Cumberbatch leading the way as most influential actor according to TIME readers
**Don’t forget to VOTE…
With appearances in the likes of Sherlock and The Fifth Estate, the star is leading the way ahead of pop superstars Miley Cyrus, Katy Pery and Bruno Mars
With appearances in the likes of Sherlock and The Fifth Estate, the star is leading the way ahead of pop superstars Miley Cyrus, Katy Pery and Bruno Mars
Cumberbatch has the power
Benedict Cumberbatch is leading the way as the most influential actor in the world, according to an ongoing poll.
TIME magazine is working on its annual top 100 list, and the Sherlock star is head and shoulders above the competition, receiving more votes than the likes of Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence and even pop-megastar Miley Cyrus.
Although the poll is still open, Benedict is currently placed is sixth, behind the such stars as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce and Justin Bieber, and he is the only actor in the top 10 as it stands.
Given his prominence on the big and small screen, it perhaps shouldn’t be too surprising to see him held so highly in the minds of the public.
As well as his role as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC’s modern-day retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary detective, he’s become a go-to man in Hollywood.
The likes of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and his part in Star Trek Into Darkness have made him a valuable box office name, while taking on the role of Wikileaks leader Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate proved he could tackle the big issues.
Benedict Cumberbatch at Oz Comic Con 2014
Benedict Cumberbatch, the world’s foremost British actor playing Hamlet on stage in Shakespeare’s play, last seen driving fast sports cars on Ice in finland is in Adelaide, Australia to attend the Oz Comic Con for his upcoming project “The Lost City of Z” (also starring Robert Pattison).
Benedict Cumberbatch has received many accolades thanks to his role in BBC drama Sherlock for playing such an intense character, which caused the British heartthrob to visit a therapist. The 37-year-old-actor reportedly told fans that he’s had professional therapy to help him deal with some of his storylines. He wanted to mention it because he believed that there should be more open discussion about mental health. The British actor answered as many questions as he can at the Oz Comic Con regarding past year, Sherlock, Martin Freeman, fans and lot more keep reading to find out more.
Q The past year has been incredible for you. The Year of the Cumberbatch!
(Laughs) I don’t know about that! But thank you very much.
Q Do you ever get sick of seeing yourself on screen?
I’d hate to think anyone is sick of the sight of me, although I wouldn’t blame them. It’s just crazy. I’ve overexposed myself! Actually that sounds a bit dirty (laughs). No, it is a real high point and I’m really enjoying it. I’m proud of every single project. I can genuinely say that it is varied enough, as a slate, to not fear too much overexposure. I just hope the public agree because they are seeing a lot of me.
Q Are you getting used to all the fans and the screaming at premieres?
Not at all! I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that. It all feels very peculiar. My day job is standing in front of a camera, that’s true, but it’s under very different circumstances because I’m in character and I’m doing my job. I’m an actor, not a spokesperson, a political pundit or an expert. While I dabble with the ideas and try to get a handle on the subject matter to give it some integrity and depth and understanding, beyond that I try to let the work speak for itself.
Q But you are enjoying your star status?
I am enjoying myself, yes. It would be really churlish to complain about anything to be honest. I’m very fortunate to be in the position I’m in.
Q How was it to be involved in 12 Years A Slave and a movie that won Best Picture at the Oscars?
I only had a small role in that fantastic film, but just to be involved was amazing. Steve McQueen is a fantastic director. It was an intense film to work on but so rewarding and to be there at the Oscars was thrilling and a very proud moment for everyone involved.
Q There was so much secrecy surrounding your recent return as Sherlock Holmes. Is that hard to keep up?
It is but it’s always lovely to be back as Sherlock. He’s a character that I truly love and it’s always a treat to wear that hair again and be back with Watson.
Q You have a very close relationship with Martin Freeman who plays Watson…
We’re great friends and working with Martin is a joy. He’s a brilliant actor and a fantastic Watson and his performance in coping with what he believed was the death of his best friend was an integral part of where the third series started. But Martin is an adorable man and blissfully, ridiculously funny and entertaining.
Q When were you first aware of Sherlock Holmes as a character?
I would have been about 12 years old when I first read a Sherlock story and it immediately made me hungry for more. Those stories are just very addictive reading, and it’s an utterly absorbing world. It’s just a really rich tapestry of characters and extraordinary adventures.
Q What do you do to prepare for a return as Sherlock?
The character is familiar to me now, so in terms of research I don’t have to do too much. Physically, I do a little swimming and yoga. It sounds funny I suppose, but I find it helps.
Q With Sherlock, Star Trek and The Hobbit, you’ve been exposed to some of the most obsessive fans there are. What were you obsessed with growing up?
Not much really. I loved certain Saturday TV staples like Knight Rider, The A-Team and even Baywatch – yes I had some sophistication when I was younger (laughs).
Q When people stop you in the street, which role do they want to talk to you about?
It’s mostly Sherlock. Even in America it’s Sherlock I get asked about most. It’s amazing just how many people have seen it over there. I get a few Trekkies, too.
Q How does it feel to be voted one of the sexiest men in the world?
Erm, baffling? No, I’ve been doing this job for a long time and it’s only recently that I’ve been blessed with this incredible good fortune by way of incredible opportunities. A side effect of all that is that kind of thing and it’s as funny to me as it is flattering.
Q Will we soon be seeing the last of you as Sherlock?
I genuinely don’t know. That’s not me trying to be mysterious. None of us knows if there will be a fourth, fifth or sixth series.
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HiddleBatch Fans! 