Benedict Cumberbatch Denies He’s In Either Star Wars: Episode VII Or Doctor Who
This article is more than 2 years old
One of the most persistent casting rumors surrounding Star Wars: Episode VII has been that Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will play some role in the film. This notion first began circulating back in September of last year. Though he’s denied any involvement, given that whole, “I’m not Khan” thing from Star Trek Into Darkness, people have been reluctant to let the matter drop. So again, the actor has gone ahead and stated explicitly that he will not appear in Episode VII. And because he was in mood to take care of business, he also set the record straight on his participation in Doctor Who.
Reports were that Cumberbatch would have a very small role in director J.J. Abrams’ new foray into that galaxy far, far away, but that the part would grow and expand in Episode VIII and Episode IX. And while he very well may have talked to Abrams and the folks at Disney and Lucasfilm at some point, it sounds like so have half of the working actors in Hollywood.
Cumberbatch recently paid a visit to OzComicCon in Australia, and during a Q & A session that down-under site The Iris live-tweeted, he said, “I would’ve liked a part in J.J.’s new Star Wars but it won’t happen sadly.” He doesn’t say why he won’t be in the film, just that he won’t.
I would've liked a part in JJ's new Star Wars but it won't happen sadly
— The Iris (@TheIrisAU) April 12, 2014
That sounds like a rather definitive statement of fact, one that comes directly from the source. But again, people are going to believe what they want to believe, and with the previous misdirection, some will assume that this is another mind game until proven otherwise. Considering that production has reportedly already started on Episode VII, if he’s still denying it so adamantly at this stage, it’s probably safe to assume that he’s not involved.
In addition to denying his participation in Star Wars, Cumberbatch also addressed the topic of a potential role in another venerable sci-fi franchise, Doctor Who. He not only said he won’t be playing any future incarnation of the Time Lord, but that he will not appear on the show in any capacity.
I'm never gonna play The Doctor, & nothing to do with the Whoniverse
— The Iris (@TheIrisAU) April 12, 2014
I can’t say it’s surprising that there’s no news on a potential new Doctor. At this stage we’ve barely just met Peter Capaldi’s 12th Time Lord. Even though he’s only going to be around for the one season, his episodes won’t even begin to air until this fall, so it seems silly that we’d hear anything about a replacement so soon.
