Benedict Cumberbatch is banging Lady Edith!! Good for her. I mean, I doubt they’re actually banging or anything, but Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey’s Lady Edith) deserves some Cumberlove on and off-screen. These are pics of Cumby and Laura and a group of friends out for a drink after the Lady Gaga show at the Roundhouse. As you can see, it seems Benedict was sipping a scotch on the rocks (I’m pretty sure that’s his drink) and he was putting straws in his eyes to make the ladies laugh. He also went out for a smoke at one point and he brought his drink. So, is Benedict really banging Laura? I wouldn’t hate it. It would be unexpected. And they both like Lady Gaga, so that’s something. Do you love that Benedict went to Gaga’s show? I think that’s really funny.
As I’m sure you’ve already heard, there are some new reports claiming that Benedict is going to be cast in Star Wars Episode VII, the new (and last) trilogy involving the children of Han Solo and Leia, right? Would Cumberbatch play the son of Solo? Or would Cumby play some kind of Alec Guiness-like Jedi? Or would he be the villain?! Darth Cumber, perhaps? Darth Batch. Obviously. Here’s the initial report:
There’s a lot of gossip swirling around that Lucasfilm are about to make a big casting announcement regarding Star Wars VII, and that casting announcement appears to be none-other than Benedict Cumberbatch, most recently seen in director JJ Abrams’ previous movie, ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’.
How Cumberbatch fits into the new movie is entirely open to conjecture (seeing as we know zero plot details so far!) Casting calls suggest we may see three or four early twentysomething Solo / Skywalker offspring in the film, which seems to count Cumberbatch out at a wise thirty-seven years old. Would Abrams use him as a villain for the second time in a row, or might he make an infinitely more appealing and energetic new Jedi hero, perhaps keeping the peace with Luke Skywalker? I know I’d rather cheer for Cumberbatch than hiss at him.
Cumberbatch is a HUGE fan of the original films, as comes across quite clearly in this Total Film interview promoting Star Trek earlier this year. Is there an element of comedy AND truth in the line ‘I’ve already asked him (Abrams) if I can be a lightsaber and we’re in talks – about whirring sounds and the rates for the lights and everything [laughs].’
If Cumberbatch somehow gets to play a son of Solo, he’ll be over the moon (of Endor).
‘I was much more connected to [Star Wars] as a kid, in the way that a lot of kids are because it’s immediate storytelling, very simple – a beautifully, outrageously simple narrative in a way – and a wonderful three-act melodrama, opera. And I loved them. I really, really loved those films and I always wanted to be Han Solo. Everything Harrison Ford did I just thought was the coolest thing ever’
Does that Cumberbatch news about him dropping out of Guillermo del Toro’s horror movie ‘Crimson Peak’ now seem to have a cause. At the time, no reason for his departure was given, although sources said his exit was not due to another project. Classic misdirection!
Cumberbatch is an worldwide household name through the BBC’s hit show ‘Sherlock’. He’s recently worked with Steven Spielberg on ‘War Horse’, he’s won critical acclaim on the London stage as Frankenstein and his monster (rotating the roles nightly with Johnny Lee Miller), the big-screen version of ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ was a big critical hit, and Tolkien fans eagerly await Christmas to experience his interpretation of the dragon Smaug for the next ‘Hobbit’ instalment, ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’. Like many, I first spotted his ear for comedy and irritating one-upmanship in the 2006 movie, ‘Starter For Ten’, where he played opposite future ‘STID’ co-star Alice Eve.
When I wrote about Cumberbatch’s withdrawal from Crimson Peak, some of you suggested that this might be a possibility. I mean… I guess I could see Cumby pulling out of a film (which might already be a mess anyway) to pursue a role in a Star Wars film. I think it would be a career mistake for him at this point in his career, though. When Ewan McGregor came on as Obi-Wan, Ewan’s career was just starting out (basically). Cumby’s had a decade and a half as an actor, you know? But I guess it depends on the part. If it’s Darth Cumber, then sure. I’ll cosign.
Some industry insiders/gossips are already shooting down these reports, by the way. It’s being described as a “fun rumor” and far from confirmed.
Photos courtesy of Pacific Coast News.
Every woman this guy is seen with he’s dating her? Lol
LOL apparently, though I did notice one of the “sources” was firm in saying she left w/her friends and he left on his own after a few drinks.
If a guy is famous, any woman he is within ten feet of is suddenly his girlfriend to the tabs.
Yes. I mean if the press didn’t know what his mom looked like they would say he is hooking up with her lol. Just a joke to show how much the press loves sticking people together.
@Looney: lol, yeah, they already hooked him up with his own niece earlier this year. I was halfway expecting “Omg BC and Amanda Abbington in affair!” after pics of him hugging her came out last week, tbh.
You mean they didn’t report an affair based on hugging Amanda? Lol I’m shocked! I do remember the niece thing. I found that to be hilarious. The Liv Tyler thing was also funny to. They were walking like 80 feet away from each other and the press went crazy.
And the press repeatedly STILL lists Liv Tyler as a woman he’s been “attached” to. God, they were never attached (though she would have been an interesting choice). That’s what gets me: it’s the sheer stupidity and laziness of the reporting.
Haha, so true. Soon, it’ll be just him walking down the street and some woman whom he doesn’t even know walking down the sidewalk nearby. According to some tab, they’ll practically be engaged!
LOL! Oh my gods, I am expecting that any day now, lol. “Cumberbatch spotted walking 100 feet from mystery brunette…and blonde…and redhead! He’s poly and dating them ALL!”
I think it would be terrible. The new movies have a terrible reputation and Abrams is heading into M. Night Shamalyn territory as far as I’m concerned.
Re: Cumby. DM has a picture of Carmichael going home alone. I’m more envious of her for getting to hang out with Caitlin Moran. Cumby looked kind of attention-mongering and annoying in the full spread of pics. On the upside, I look forward to seeing much more of his new jacket.
Also there will be all sorts of brand confusion bc of Star Trek, esp if it’s a repeat of his bad-guy in scifi role.
Yeah, I can’t see him being in Star Trek AND Star Wars. I mean yes, he’d probably be really good in a mentor type role (à la Obi Wan, perhaps) but I don’t know if having him in all the “Star…” movies is a good thing.
So back in May David Letterman was not clueless but farsighted, hahaha.
@carlsunited LOL!
“You heard it here first!”
I know, I’d love to hang out with her for a night. The Daily Fail didn’t even recognise her in their pictures.
Wouldn’t have thought he would be into Gaga…
I also hope it’s not true, Star Wars: with extra lens flare doesn’t appeal to me.
Re: the Gaga thing. Poor DUC is starting to veer into mid-life crisis territory. It’s like watching a math teacher trying to be down with da kidz.
Indeed it is, Miss Fanty.
Oh noes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSgdyNZABt0
(You must watch until the end).
Oh, I’m letting him off the hook for that, because it’s a wedding and MJ. I would be equally cheesy.
I’m just becoming potentially unimpressed by DUC this week. Firstly, he turns up to a Gaga concert with a bunch of known people and then gets douchey with paps, then this Star Wars thing. I’m starting to think he might be hungrier than TommyAnne, and I don’t like desperation.
I missed the douchey with paps? Splain?
I’m very busy with Thomas McHardy of the clan McHardy at the moment and I think DUC dancing (how appropriate is that nickname to that video?) induced some kind of amnesia.
@T.Fanty- Yes! That’s what it is! I was trying to figure out why I was eye-rolling at the Batch, and that’s it! He’s like, hanging with the cool kids, in his jacket and his hat at the Gaga concert… like the “cool dad” who parked the minivan down the road so nobody knows he pulled up in it.
Ah well- either way, glad he’s having fun! And much love to Lady Edith!
I will say this- he’s pushing ALL of my Nerd buttons. He’s practically a NERD BINGO card- Star Trek, possibly Star Wars, The Hobbit (for major nerd franchises), then Sherlock, Hawking, Assange, Simpsons…
@ Sixer,
I don’t have time to find it now, but there’s a pic of him giving the paps the finger while “scratching his head.” It’s really a bit lame and in poor taste. He wants the fame when it suits him, and the free clothes, and the blockbuster franchise movies, and the opportunity to swan around with models and celebs, but that comes *because* of the paps. If he’s buying into that kind of life, it’s a bit tacky to then complain about photographers feeling obtrusive because he isn’t in the mood.
I’ll take your word for it. Sigh. It’s one thing to play around with a pastiche of Bob Dylan and his lyrics – there’s humour in there. But being a boring t0sspot about it is just unworthy.
“Boring tosspot” – that’s the phrase that I was looking for!
Can we apply “tosspot” elsewhere today? I miss that word.
Ok. Although I have better, ruder, alternatives. Not sure on swearing words filter here so I’ll code ’em, but I doubt it recognises Brit filth? How about wonkstain (A not O) or d1cksplash?
I got those from neighbour’s teenage sons and am not ashamed to say I like them.
I can’t hate him for Thriller, I’ve been equally embarrassing when that is played at weddings however I saw the finger pic and it’s just so…naff I think is the word I’m looking for. They are not invading your space, you’re at a Gaga (the famehungry loon)show with loads of famous people in the VIP area so sorry, you’re going to get papped.
(because I’m Irish, I’m always partial to gobsh!te, I also like kn0bjockey and bell-end)
Oooo, I like those. I think that kn*bjockey W@nkstain might have to be my Cumberbatch name when he’s annoying me.
Also; why is the hair still there? And by extension, the ugly hat?
Dorky suits him; Cumby-the-wannabe-hipster just causes my buttocks to clench. And not in a fun way.
@ Fanty – Ok. It’s DUC when he’s good. And KJWS when he’s being pissy.
@ Lindy – I have a running joke with Sprog One. He mocks my perceived feminsim by branding the perpetrator of any laddish behaviour on TV as a “legend”. I say, “Not a legend. Not a leg-end. A bell-end.” (Hard G for second legend). Perhaps not the best parenting, but we snigger.
@T.fanty
When he does notice the paps through the window (they weren’t allowed in), he waves at them and takes pics. He really didn’t seem to be bothered at all, tbqh. He’s been an avid concert goer for years.
[The finger pic was taken before he appeared to notice them if you saw the full set in order. Made me laugh, reminded me of when he accidentally flipped off that fan.]
I think the hats are less about being cool and more being a lazy male who doesn’t want to deal with wavy/curly hair.
It’s me driving me up the wall, but I finally just realized why the woman looks familiar. She was in TTSS.
I have to agree that I don’t see finger flipping either, and I too remember that accidental middle finger pointing with a fan taking a pic. He freaked when he noticed what he was doing. But it was funny 🙂
And that hat, well, I’m guilty of using a beanie on a lazy hair day, so I def see his hat just as a guick fix for hair styling. He isn’t exactly one of those guys who like playing with the hair products – and that’s something I really like about him. I want his hair to be clean of any icky hair products when I am running my fingers through it…
Gosh I think it’s a terrible idea too. Dunno why it just seems like a little too much, yeah?
Yeah, they can’t sell him as a Star Wars director to me, either. He has done decent stuff with ST…but even those movies come off as very cheesy at parts. And, he tends to “LOST” his projects–strong starts and unbelievably crummy finishes. If you’ve seen that re-do of V, you would know what I mean–it had an impressive first season, and went to pot even faster than LOST did in the second season.
Star Wars needs an unquestionably strong, screw up proof director to restore public faith in the franchise after that horrible prequel trilogy. Nolan would have been a great choice.
With the straws? I both side-eyed and laughed at those pictures (an impressive physical feat, I’m sure you’ll agree) I did this because no one was paying attention to him and it was, as you say, attention mongering. Also, no Star Wars, Cumby – that’s the bad ju-ju. Also, also, flipping off paps – gosh, Cumby, you’re so bad ass.
Idk I’ve also done dumb stuff while no one was paying attention so he gets a pass from me.
Yeah, I dunno about that. I mean, looking at the pictures as an outsider, it’s kind of cute and funny.
As someone standing around him, though I can only imagine, it was probably a little like- WTF Ben, just change the topic of conversation if you’re bored/drunk! I wonder if his ploy worked? From the pics, looks like they just carried on… hehe. Poor Batch
@ Felice,
I thought you wrote “a pass at me” and it suddenly occurs to me that the best way to seduce Cumby is to be in the same room as him and ignore him.
@ Fanty
Yeah he would probably love that. He doesn’t like it when “Girls know more about him then he does about them”
UGH, he makes it so hard to love him when he pulls dumb stuff like flipping off the paps. And yeah, the straws bit does seem attention-mongering; is he really like that when the cameras are off?
And sorry, but what is “DUC”? Dear Uncle Cumby? Because that’s totally how I see him in these pictures, like he’s trying too hard to be cool and unaffected. “OK, I’ll go with you to the Lady Giggles concert. I love her stuff!”
DUC – Drunk Uncle Cumby. From the birthday pics when his neice/PA was helping her hammered uncle and the girl he was with get into a cab. I just hope she didn’t spend three years at uni for a job that involves getting a plastered relative and his possible one-night-stand home.
Thanks, T. Fanty!
I just looked at his birthday pics again, and yeesh, I would hate to have his niece’s job. She totally has this look on her face that says “This wasn’t in the job description.”
And in his drunkenness, the only tip he gives the poor girl is “don’t eat yellow snow.”
Ladies!!!! The Batch has a hilarious radio show on BBC 4!!!! http://youtu.be/H4SJWONipuE
I think there is a good chance it is true. All the film journalists I follow on twitter have been talking about sitting on a Star Wars rumor for weeks. Combine that with him dropping out of Crimson Peak, and this report–especially with how everyone thought he did a badass job as a villain in Stars Wars even though the movie sucked–and it seems like it could be true.
Even though it’s just speculation I want this to be true. Would love to see him in SW. Ugh be still my inner geek.
Doubt they’re banging. That’s stretching it. He’s really friends with everyone, no? I’m more interested that he’s close with Mario Testino. Haha.
I think this rumor is true. He’s well-connected with the production, Kathleen Kennedy, JJ Abrams, Steven Spielberg (for George Lucas).
Just not another villain, please. I trust Michael Arndt.
He went to a Gaga concert then the following night went to Rhodes’ classical music gig. Yeah, I like this guy.
I want this to be true lol. Star Trek, Middle Earth, and Star Wars?!?! The holy trinity of geek fandom.
He went to a gaga concert that is just funny. Adele and some members of 1 direction were there.
This would be a bad move for him, but I could see it happening.
He seems to want to be famous (in the US) and/or a big movie star and typecasting himself in nerd movies isn’t going to do it…
A lot of actors need franchises these days to at least have control over their careers. They need widespread recognition especially without a Scorcese by their side. His contemporaries all have multi-film deals. Hardy with Mad Max, Fassy with Prometheus/ Assassin’s Creed/ Xmen. McAvoy too. Even Bale did it. Franchises are the deal these days.
As long as he still gets small quality films and high-profile tv projects here and there I think he’s fine.
Tish you spoke my mind. These days franchise does get you more recognition than say quality films. Even everyone’s favourite JLaw needed a Hunger Games to be known. She is still known as Katniss by many people.
I think it will be a good move if he is part of this franchise but not another villain role. It will become very monotonous to see him only do villain roles.
Side note I am so excited to see The fifth estate. Cumby playing Assange would be just EPIC (at least for me)
Assange-based tangent (since I just saw it and need to share the lols), have my fellow Aussies seen Rap News (A Game of Polls) featuring Assange, given a Warnie-style make-over and lip-synching to John Farnham?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWU6tVxzO1I
I don’t think there’s a proper word to describe my reaction to that. All I can come up with is OMGWTFBBQ!
Agree. Don’t see why franchise movies get hate sometimes. If the franchise has the following of lord of the rings or star wars it can be good. More recognition is not a bad thing. Look what the dark night rises did for Hardy. Sure people knew who he was but he is known to a wider audience now. Much much bigger.
There’s nothing wrong with franchises but surely you don’t think it’s a great move to do Star Wars 1-2 years after Star Trek? Plus he’s in Sherlock which is also a “brand”/nerd thing. And I don’t think the small role in the Hobbit would add to this nerd movie role typecasting, but some people might argue otherwise.
Franchises are often a great idea, but being involved in too many is usually a terrible idea.
P.S. None of this matters if he only wants to be in small/arty movies, but from his behavior I suspect he wants to be famous/a movie star and this isn’t the way to do it.
He has been vocal that he wants to alternate small and big projects. He definitely doesn’t want to just make artsy films.
I just see this as a Fassy situation. Prometheus and X-Men then another geeky franchise with Assasin’s Creed in 2015. Sherlock is just on TV anyway and his work with the Hobbit is mostly voice. He only got 25min in STiD. It’s not really too much to the casual movie-goer.
Lucrezia,
I saw that yesterday. I expect Fifth Estate reshoots to accommodate this treasure trove of craptacularity.
Who wouldn’t wannabe in Star Wars? Come on if I was an actor I wouldn’t turn it down either. Yes those prequels sucked but it doesn’t ruin the fact that Star Wars has a massive fan base. It’s been 30+ years since it’s debut and is still relevant. If anything it might be some hope for these new movies. It’s freaking star wars.
It’s funny you say that @Wanda because I think many actors will pass. Apparently Ryan Gosling already did. I think Cumberbatch can play pretty much anything and could do another British space villain in his sleep. I was a MASSIVE fan of the first three…but the reality is Star Wars did wonders for only one actor’s career: Harrison Ford. It’s a coup for an unknown, or someone looking for a way up but Cumby hasn’t stopped working. If the money’s good, sure I guess, but Star Wars is not an “actor” franchise.
Honestly anyone’s knows what is Gosling doing these days apart from directing his movie. He hasn’t signed on any new projects. I feel he needs to do more work otherwise he’ll fade away.
That rumor seems a bit silly and frankly, unoriginal if true. Especially if it is a villain. I mean, should we now anticipate the casting of Chris Pine as the lovable and heroic rogue?
I thought there could be some crossover but this isn’t like casting a terrific character actor like Bruce Greenwood or even Peter Weller in both as an example; this would be the MAIN villian. It doesn’t bode well for new Star Wars if they are borrowing this heavily from new Star Trek. Silly.
I can totally see him in Star Wars. If it does happen he will be similar to Zoe Saldana(The New Sci-fi Queen). And it won’t be the 1st time a director has used the same actors in more than 1 movie of theirs *cough chris nolan*
I have no problem with this rumor if it turns out to be true. He’s been acting for a long time now and it’s always nice to see actors who have been in the business for a long time finally start getting big parts. No complaints from me. And it looks like he is balancing it well. TV, movies, & some theater along with radio dramas.
There were vague casting descriptions released for Star Wars a few months ago and one of them describe a male character in his 30’s. So, if the BC rumors are true, that’s probably his part. Honestly, I feel like this guy is in everything. I kind of hope he’s not in Star Wars. Nothing against his acting ability but he is one actor who does not need a franchise. He’s already been in Star Trek and is Smaug in The Hobbit movies.
I finally saw that neutron cream prank and it was hilarious. They made him read a paper out loud saying it was a prank and his reaction was priceless. The whole cast fell for it to. Karl Urban and John Cho got pranked also. Funny.
I don’t hate Cumberbatch, but I feel that he is a bit too overexposed by this point to fit into a SW role. I would prefer fresh meat—relatively unheard-of actors who are willing to do the work and perform well for the distinction.
+1
I do feel he’s on the verge of over-exposure. He’s getting a lot of great parts. I’d like to see people on the verge of breakouts getting cast in the roles, not people who have already had their breakout and ones who do not need a franchise (or I should say another franchise).
I still wonder what these next 3 movies will be about? Will it be after the events of return of the Jedi? Makes sense. I also heard some of the old cast will return. It makes sense for them to start announcing cast now. I think they start shooting early next year anyway.
Yeah – after Jedi, Star Wars was originally conceived as 9 films, apparantly. The story I’ve heard is that the middle 3 were the easiest to shoot and that’s why they were the first ones released, but they were called ep 3 etc, because of the 9 movie thing. I call nonsense on this story, because the prequels were a mess and there’s no way anyone spent years fine-tuning that ridiculousness. I am led to believe that eps 7-9 are about Han and Leia’s son going darkside.
@Sixer
The video is indeed v funny looks like a wedding? a sort of reception. It’s just No one should try M Jackson at least I think he can keep the beat no off beat clapping (I think)
I guess! But it’s not a passion-inflaming style.
No def not. The hand over the face head jerking ummm but I still like him:)
I have no problem with an actor being in more than one franchise. But I don’t think this story is true. But then again I didn’t think the 50 shades casting was true. Boy was I wrong.
Don’t see the big deal why it would be bad. If he was ever cast as James Bond then I would be worried. Don’t really like that franchise because it is the same thing over and over again. James Bond on a mission sleeps with some women. Boring.
Good for him. I hope it is true. Bad guy role? Maybe. Even though I would prefer him to be cast in a good guy role. But he plays a bad guy so well though.
Seriously doubt he and “Lady Edith” are hooking up. There’s more chemistry between him and Quinto in those Oscar party pics, lol, and they’re legit just friends. Reading more into it from sources and from folks who went to the concert, they were with a small group, she left w/her friends and he left to go on his own.
Re Star Wars… I’m a huge SW fan. Huge. Sadly so, lol. I’m meh about this ep 7 crap mainly because it’ll all be lensflare and Abrams-style bs. But I can see BC as Thrawn. Wistful thinking it wouldn’t be Abrams directing but eh, nothing to be done with that at this point.
As my SO said, whichever character they most deny being in the big bad, it’s the big bad. Just because Abrams thinks it’s still cute to do that.
Well, considering Jacen Solo (Han’s older son) became Darth Caedus, he might end up playing both.
In regards to SW, “Benny! STAHP!!” I’d rather it be Hamlet. But at least it would stay in London.
In regards to Edith: You and these blondes, Benny. We dark-haired chicks can be seductive too!
I think Anna Jones MIGHT just be the best looking girl he has dated that we know of. And she had dark hair.
It’s actually Anna James. But yeah, she’s pretty and her funiture and jewelry designs are great! I think they’re also a good match career-wise like they’re both successful in their fields. No likely attacks about fame-whoring and stuff.
I forget what art show it was but he had his ST hair and body but there are photos of them talking and he seemed into her I wonder what happened. She’s smiling on her website and she has a cute smile I wonder why she never did with him. Then again, a photo looks better when the people are making the same expression.
Speaking of art shows…
There’s a poster on ONTD saying that BC was seen with a girlfriend at the V&A David Bowie… and that he’s “open” about it. Also, poster claims it was on Tumblr/twitter. However, I never remember seeing anything?
Not that it matters, so much, just curious. I figure it’s only a matter of time before he finds someone to take to the awards shows. Just wondering if he does have an “undercover” girlfriend, but then… why does she get left behind for Gaga! (ha.)
Don’t they hate him over there? No tumblr implosions? Receipts…:p
That person on ONTD was incredibly bizarre, so should fit in well amongst that vile, disturbed crowd.
He wasn’t with a GF at the V&A. He was with a female friend. One person who was there, named her as his GF because she was female and standing with him. That was it.
Yeah, that’s what I figured. There should have been a total meltdown if he actually came out and confirmed a girlfriend!
But who knows! I can’t figure out why this poster keeps posting this over again!
@Lauren, the source said that he and the blonde were holding hands, so that’s why she was pegged as his GF. Then again, he was holding hands with Charlotte Asprey after his drunken night out, and they’re legit good friends. Who knows.
@Lazylemming: Someone who was at the show said it was his niece/PA… I can’t find the thread now but it was on a tumblr fansite for him.
He’s pretty open when he’s with someone. Private but not denial-levels of private. If he’d taken a GF to the show, the press would’ve had that mess spread from here to kingdom-come.
@missmary
Ah ok! And yes, I agree. Any whiff that there was a legit girlfriend and it would be all over the place. I guess? They certainly wouldn’t be trying to pair him off with LC..?
His niece/PA seems like the go-to girl… lucky, she gets access to all the cool stuff thru her uncle!
The reason people made a fuss over that business with Katia and her ever forceful publicity machine wasn’t at all due to the idea that he may have a GF. People immediately saw through her rather blatant attempts to gain some fame off the association with him. It’s a on age old trick and she got what she wanted. That was what people spoke of and were rather affronted by – not the notion of him on holiday with a girl. The whole thing reeked of PR.
@ginger.
Where did you see the ‘holding hands’ bit?
I saw the post on Tumblr and the girl simply said ‘he was with a girlfriend’. People talked about it and it spread like crap often does. I didn’t see any mention of ‘hand holding’. As usual with bulls-it, it goes like wildfire and becomes more exaggerated with every movement.
Believe me, he was with a friend.
Secondly, in response to another comment – i I don’t think there would be any meltdown at all when he has a girlfriend. People really won’t be *that* fussed.
Normally, I’d agree… except, I think we all remember the small brouhaha that was KE and Ibiza? Maybe fandom didn’t care, but he was splashed all over the tabs (well, at least a few…)
I think most fans would get over it, once he confirmed, but it certainly would make at least SOME kind of splash. Maybe not a meltdown, per se, bu something?
@lazylemming
I posted my reply in the wrong place.. See the above conversation for my response..
@Lauren – it was on a message board, although I forget which one. Basically, a woman who was visiting London wandered over to ‘Setlock’ and was chatting with some of the fans there. One of them said that she had been right behind BC at the V+A Bowie exhibit, that he’d been with a blonde, and that they’d been holding hands. Make of it what you will – as I said before, he sometimes holds hands with friends, as evidenced by ‘Cirquegate.’
Sounds like some oddball tinkery was going on there, somewhere along the line.
Who knows why people make this stuff up. ‘Cos they can, I guess? But no. I can assure you he was certainly with a friend. The possibilities of them holding hands are extraordinarily remote.
@Lauren
Agreed, the whole thing sounds a bit weird, kind of like a fangirl game of telephone, but who knows!
You seem pretty sure it was a friend- did you get to see him at the exhibit?
I’m studying Art History at UCL and managed to wangle work experience at the V&A during the last week of the Bowie exhibit. Yes, I’m a fortunate scally in many ways.
Although I’ve kicked myself ever since for not taking to him but ultimately I think it was best to leave him alone. I saw many people sneaking looks and whispers. Made me feel bad for the fact that he has to endure that every day.
@Lauren
Ahhh, nice!!!
Well, it’s good to have input from someone who saw their interaction and found them as friends.
Yeah, I feel bad for him, since he’s probably going to be getting recognized more and more!
This rumor just sparked my interest in SW again. Love Cumberbatch. 3 really bad prequels can really ruin a girls SW spirit. Kind of torn. I think these new movies have the potential for being better than the prequels. But what if they are just as bad? I don’t even want to think about it.
The true mystery is how posh boys never seem to be able to button their shirt up properly.
This may be my most shallow comment of all time but here I go anyways…
I’ll help him with those buttons…….
*hides in shame*
He’s done most of the work for you. He’s very considerate that way. :]
How was Ewan’s career “basically” just starting? He’d been in 12 films before Phantom Menace, and done a ton of TV work.
Agreed. Moulin Rouge was a damn good movie.
Exactly what I was going to say! He was well into his career by the time the new Star Wars trilogy came about.
Oops, yes, this exactly. Didn’t see this comment.
I’d say he made his mark with Dennis Potter’s Lipstick. (RIP Dennis). And cemented it with Trainspotting.
Sixer- You forget SHALLOW GRAVE ahead of TRAINSPOTTING, both with Danny Boyle. If one is looking at only the films that were big splashes internationally, we have EMMA with GOOP, A LIFE LESS ORDINARY with Cameron Diaz and VELVET GOLDMINE with John Rhys Meyers. There are the films that were huge in UK eg BRASSED OFF and LITTLE VOICE. All before STAR WARS
Oh yes! And Being Human. Heavens, Ewan was a big name long before spacey stuff.
Yeah, I thought that comment was weird. I’ve always thought SW wasn’t a big help to Ewan McGregor’s career, more of a hindrance really.
I’m bothered that he went to see Lady Gaga.
Also, would it be so terrible if he didn’t take on more new roles for a few months & filmed more *Sherlocks*?
Thank you! I want more Sherlock. This whole 3 episode every 1-1/2 or 2 years is not cutting it. Just film them back to back. Give us atleast 6 episodes for waiting for so long.
I was bothered too when I first read it. But! This event was apparently a star-studded concert presented by iTunes and tons and tons of A-list Brits were invited there. I’d chalk it up to nothing more than him using the opportunity of a free invitation to blow off some steam and hang out with friends after a grueling work schedule (he’d just completing filming of Sherlock s.3 a couple days ago). I feel bad that the press once again played out their pathetic need to “have a story” by singling out only one member of Benedict’s entire group to write rumors about. I wish they’d leave him alone, really. He’s never hid girlfriends. When he gets one we’ll all know it. The rumors are pathetic and cause me second-hand embarrassment.
Wait until you see him twerking in eight-to-twelve months time. In jorts.
@T. Fanty
You bite your tongue..
@Felice,
I couldn’t agree more. Bite thy tongue, Fanty! `Cause you know Cumby will do that.
On what planet was Ewan McGregor “just starting out” in his role in Star Wars?
Honestly? I don’t think BC even cares about Star Trek or Star Wars or any of these hero-villain sci-fi brands. I think he’s in love with being wanted. Perhaps not a popular opinion but I’m sticking with it. He constantly name-drops directors even when the context of the conversation doesn’t call for it. I think he LOVES being wanted by top Hollywood directors. They represent success, power, and respect. I don’t necessarily believe Benedict himself is starving and thirsting for power, fame, and money but I think he loves being attached to people who are/have those things. My sense is that he wants to be wanted by the power players–he loves going to insider parties and getting phone calls from heavy hitters–but at the same time he’s got tons and tons of serious and respectable work under his belt and he’s educated and trained and comes from a prominent acting family with its own prominent connections. So he gets to be “serious and respected” but also “wanted by the big-wigs” and I think this is going to be the key to his decisions over the next few years. And it will surely make or break him.
Also: God, he needs a wife or some type of stable, committed relationship. And that’s all I want to say on that.
I’d ship him and his bff James Rhodes so hard if either were attracted to men. They both are very needy, attention-wise, but in different ways, and seem to balance well when they are together hanging out (at least according to their interviews, lol).
I love BC’s acting like whoa but yeah, totally agree he’s in love with being wanted and that’s going to inform his role choices as long as possible. I legit don’t think he gives two figs about Star Wars or Star Trek as a fanboy but he knows it’ll get and keep his name in circulation in a wide circle. He may be the sweetest guy on earth (according to some who have met him) but he’s not innocent and naive about the business–he knows you have to get the money/roles while you can. Hell, he’s even said in interviews that, watching his parents have hit or miss careers, it’s made him very aware of the shelf life of an actor’s career and that he wants to strike while the iron is hot.
So what you’re hoping for is that he doesn’t become Hiddleston?
And +1 on the needing a wife/”wife.” It’s been 2 years since his break up with Olivia? Seems like he’s had some adolescent fun that he missed out on in his teens and 20’s during these past 2 years ~and there’s nothing wrong with that~ so someone needs to take his mother’s call and “find him a bird.”
Also a partner to sort his wardrobe!!! Or a stylist at least no more crocs but I still am a big fan crocs and all.
Let me expound a little on the wife thing even though I didn’t really plan to. I think some people–male and female–simply are cut out to be partnered while others are cut out to be free birds. I think Benedict is cut out to be coupled, I think he loves being coupled, and I think being coupled is very healthy for him. Since the split with Olivia he looks terrible a lot of the time, he has aged more than he should be aged for his…age (okay, that was poorly constructed), and he’s making some really bad decisions about the company he keeps. I still can’t get over how bad he looked leading up to, during, and immediately following the Japan STiD promotion. From arrival at the airport to his various appearances looking exhausted and deflated, to his appearance on Top Gear and then the video thing with James and the piano. That whooooooole time frame was terrible and made my heart hurt and made me a little bitter that the fans went on praising him rather than being honest and saying “This is not his best here”. Oh, and the whole time he wearing the same clothes!! I just don’t think being single works for him. I hope he finds someone to love and be devoted to soon.
I thought he looked exhausted, too, but can’t it also be due to having to fly around the world and be on the go for weeks at a time, without hardly any downtime?
I do hope he finds someone, and I think he needs to marry a “normal person,” aka someone who is not in the movie/TV show business. I think he needs someone who can put their own career on the backburner and just be home for him.
I agree, I think he does well in a relationship, but I wonder how much of it is his career taking off and how much is his singledom/break-up? He’s been working pretty hard to stay up with the offers!
I actually thought he was wearing the same blue shirt until I saw side by side pics on Tumblr and they aren’t the same shirt but look similar. As far as his fashion he has never been a great dresser to begin with lol. Even when he was with Olivia he didn’t dress great. There is a tumblr blog called what are you wearing Benedict and it is funny. The funny thing is I think he knows about the blog because he has said things that have been posted on that blog. He even said that 1 of his fans said he looks like he woke up out of bed and was blind when he gets ready. Lol. I have seen pics of him before he played Sherlock and his dressing is bad. He can dress nice when he puts in effort though. I think people are use to seeing him dressed bad and unshaven because he has rocked that look in the past. There will be more clothes that you will see repeated because thats just the thing he does. I actually find it funny. A great laugh.
I knew someone would comment about the exhaustion/travel and I was going to address that but I felt my post was already too long. Soooo…
LOTS of celebs do whirl-wind international tours and they don’t look exhausted, wan, pale, and lacking vitamin D. There are tons of quick fixes to keep up one’s appearance and energy level while doing intense travel. There’s all sorts of vitamin supplements and hydration supplements and many other things. He looks that way because he doesn’t take care of himself. And he doesn’t take care of himself because…
I also suspect he’s smoking A LOT.
As for his clothes: I wasn’t referring to his actual fashion-sense. i don’t even care about that. He’s always looked pretty bad fashion-wise and so does Olivia (god, don’t get me started) and so do most of that whole Brit acting crowd. How about Alice Eve promoting STiD with her horrible hair from the 1980’s and her jackets like an office lady from the 90’s? What I was referring to was: Benedict looking disheveled, unkempt, un-washed, torn and sagging jeans. Just terrible. Again, he comes across unhealthy and it makes me sad. I’m not talking about what style his shirts are or what brand shoes he’s wearing. I don’t care about that stuff.
I thought he looked absolutely great as always. Knackered at times yeah, but with that workload- course he was. As for his clothes .. fine.
Ripped jeans are quite the rage, y’know 😉
He is NOT doing the movie. His rep has confirmed it.
Benedict Cumberbatch NOT cast in ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’: rep: Reports that Benedict Cumberbatch was cast in … http://t.co/QwVWvpXLo1
Awesome. One sci-fi, big-budget thing is enough. At least for now.
Welp. Looks like it’s not true. Cumberbatch’s rep officially denies it:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/benedict-cumberbatch-cast-star-wars-episode-vii-rep-article-1.1444585
Whoops! Apologies for the double-post. That Abby is pretty quick on the draw! 😉
Ha ha I beat you 😛 lol I have mixed feelings towards this news. I would have been happy if he was part of it as the good guy but if he was given a villain role again then I am glad he turned it down.
But can we trust the reps, don’t they always deny any casting news until officially confirmed??
I think it’s odd they took so long to deny the rumors. This was first reported early yesterday morning, and has only built and built since then (a quick Google News Search tells me there are approximately 100 articles on this topic, on all sorts of websites).
I wonder if it’s a way to judge fan reaction, too. If everyone’s excited, then maybe his team could ask for a bit more?
Suspicious me is wondering if the rumor was started by his reps or at least goosed a bit by his reps so it might get the casting folks to more seriously consider him.
Oh god I hope not. I don’t think his reps need this kinda publicity for him. Soon he’ll be coming to TIFF which is enough to get him news this week.
I am bummed that I couldn’t get any tickets, all sold out. Well at least he’ll be only 2 hours away from where I live ****fangirl squeal
True but weirder things have happened rep-wise. Chances are better, though, that an older rumor just got some legs under it since he dropped from Crimson Peak or whatever the name was, and it took off like wildfire.
Ooooh… I’m an entire country away and couldn’t find any excuse to be in Canada for TIFF, but I tried, lol.
Goes both ways.
If the SW people are trying to pressure him or draw other actors to their project, they may have started the rumors.
His PR won’t want to cross a major studio, so they would wait for denial clearance after they’d isolated the rumor source.
I wouldn’t normally consider this likely with a big franchise, but Star Wars has been casting for months and hasn’t gotten anywhere solid.
“”””When Ewan McGregor came on as Obi-Wan, Ewan’s career was just starting out (basically)””””
really??
What happened to the 5yrs prior to STARWARS in which he made several award and OB winning films?
SHALLOW GRAVE, TRAINSPOTTING, EMMA, VELVET GOLDMINE, A LIFE LESS ORDINARY to name a few hits prior to STARWARS…
re why he was at a gaga concert, it looks like he was probably a guest of caitlin moran (she’s in the pics with him). caitlin is a big gaga fan and has hung out with her before.
also cumby is a huge music fan and goes to lots of concerts.
I hoped he enjoyed it. Sex Dreams kicked ass.
“When Ewan McGregor came on as Obi-Wan, Ewan’s career was just starting out (basically)”
I……….just can’t. It’s just sooooooo untrue. maybe for blockbuster’s fanboys McGregor was someone new, but beside this he was known with his career.
After the debacle of episodes I-III the casting had better be spot on. I don’t care who’s in it, as long as it’s very very good.
Cumby is too identifiable in Star Trek. Too confusing to be in Star Wars too. The ones who did best out of Star Wars were James Earl Jones (that voice!), Anthony Daniels, the Chewbacca man and Ford. I’d argue that he is more well known for Indiana Jones than Solo.