Benedict Cumberbatch is not your "typical movie star," or so he insists. In a recent interview with Variety, the Sherlock actor spoke candidly about his public image, rejecting comparisons to Hollywood icons like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
"I’m not Brad, I’m not Leonardo, I’m not a typical movie star," said Cumberbatch, 48, when asked about his status as a sex symbol. Reflecting on his rise to fame through Sherlock, he added:
"People were scrambling for 'Why is he at all attractive to us?' But for me to guess and try to understand that is so .... weirdly navel-gazing. I’m not sitting around thinking, 'Why am I sexy?' I worry about myself in the mirror as I age, like every other ... does."
Cumberbatch also shared his disdain for being labeled a 'celebrity,' saying the term feels dismissive.
"It’s so derogatory and just lumps anyone famous together," he said. "Am I a 'celebrated' person? Well, for what? For selling cheese? For being on a reality show? For doing something outrageous? For being an actor?"
A Gripping New Role in The Thing with Feathers
The British actor is currently promoting his latest film, The Thing with Feathers, which premieres January 25 at the Sundance Film Festival. In the indie drama, Cumberbatch plays a grieving widower struggling to care for his two young children while grappling with visions of a monstrous crow that he believes is terrorizing his family. The psychological thriller marks his first feature film role since The Book of Clarence in 2023 and the Netflix short The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, directed by Wes Anderson.
What’s Next for Doctor Strange?
Cumberbatch also shared updates about his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Doctor Strange won’t appear in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday — due to storyline shifts after Marvel dropped Jonathan Majors from his role as Kang the Conqueror — the character will return in 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars. Additionally, a third standalone Doctor Strange movie is in the works. "He’s quite central to where things might go," teased Cumberbatch.
Between navigating his unconventional Hollywood image, stepping into emotionally complex roles, and continuing his journey as one of Marvel’s key characters, Cumberbatch remains one of the most versatile actors of his generation. Whether he’s battling interdimensional threats or a giant crow, he continues to captivate audiences with his range and authenticity.
