Will Benedict Cumberbatch bring his ‘Hamlet’ to Broadway? Unlikely.

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Benedict Cumberbatch began previews for Hamlet on Wednesday evening – I covered some of the photos of Bendy and Sophie Hunter leaving the Barbican after the show yesterday. I mentioned that Benedict hasn’t done any press for the play yet, which I find weird. So many of you yelled at me about that – because it’s totally unheard of for actors to do some advanced press for a theatre, film or TV project weeks before their project officially starts, right? That NEVER happens.

Anyway, the Daily Mail has a piece by one of their gossip people, Baz Bamigboye, about how Broadway people are totally scouting Benedict because they want him to bring this version of Hamlet to Broadway.

Theatre owners on Broadway have sent undercover scouts to check out Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet at the Barbican. The actor has not had any discussions about transferring with the production, directed by Lyndsey Turner. But the New York theatre folk want to be prepared, in case Cumberbatch decides to make his Broadway debut in Turner’s playful interpretation of Shakespeare’s great tragedy.

The audience at the first preview on Wednesday couldn’t help but feel the electricity — this Hamlet certainly ranks as one of the hottest theatrical events that London has seen in some time. As has already been mentioned here, Cumberbatch will go directly from Hamlet to shoot the Marvel/Disney film Doctor Strange and, in April, will film three new episodes of Sherlock. He could go to New York with Hamlet for the 2016 autumn season — or have a break, then do the play in the spring of 2017.

His mother, the actress Wanda Ventham, who was celebrating her 80th birthday, said she would be thrilled if her ‘Ben’ did Hamlet in NY. ‘I would love it. Do you think he’d agree?’ she said, wiping away tears as she and husband Timothy Carlton made their way to their son’s dressing room after the show.

‘The trouble is, I always cry,’ she admitted. ‘I think it’s just coming to terms with the fact that it’s our Ben on that huge stage, playing Hamlet. I don’t think I’ve seen a stage as wide as that before, except perhaps at the National.’

Carlton, also an actor was dabbing his eyes, too, by the way.

I admit I was intrigued when I first saw the poster (pictured), created by Tim Gutt and Shona Heath, but having seen the show I think I understand. It’s not a Hamlet for children — but the Danish prince does indulge in some childish behaviour, and uses that as a front. The play opens officially on August 25, by which time it could well be the most discussed Shakespearean work since, well, ever.

[From The Daily Mail]

As they say, Benedict is booked solid for the next year – God knows how long it’s going to take to film Doctor Strange, then the Sherlock stuff, and he’s got to promote Black Mass and the Sherlock Christmas Special and probably a dozen other things because he’s a workaholic. So no, he won’t have time to bring Hamlet to Broadway. I doubt he even wants to – I’m sure he’d like to do Broadway at some point, but not right at this moment.

What else? Not all of the reviews for Hamlet are good, but… who cares? And The Barbican has put up signs reading “Mr. Cumberbatch will not be signing autographs before or after the performance of Hamlet.Due to the overwhelming number of requests, Stage Door are unable to accept gifts or items for signing. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”

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Photos courtesy of WENN.

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83 Responses to “Will Benedict Cumberbatch bring his ‘Hamlet’ to Broadway? Unlikely.”

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  1. seesittellsit says:

    Please do not pollute the theater district of my natal city with this shallow star-framing piece of coarse fan-baiting passing itself off as an “innovative” approach to Shakespeare.

    • Rachel says:

      Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of bed this morning.

      He’s a classically trained actor with a background of incredible roles, long before he made it in Hollywood. Obviously the Barbican would never turn down the extra publicity of casting him, but he’s not just some blockbuster bozo who’s never appeared on stage before.

      If you had ever seen some of his theatrical work, you would know that and not be quite so pretentious about your ‘natal city’, which has also seen some pretty horrendous productions (e.g. “Oscar Wilde” in 2005, which lasted, I kid you not, one night).

      • seesittellsit says:

        Please read my post again. It is not aimed at Cumberbatch, but Lyndsey Turner. I have enormous respect for Cumbers as an actor, although I do not subscribe to the notion that he is The New Olivier. As I asked, please read the post again. It is about the production, not a criticism of Cumberbatch. Yes, I know, they made the most of publicity opportunity. That doesn’t mean I have to respect the production, does it?

    • Skedaddle says:

      Ahahha I love and am laughing at the idea that out of all the undeserving or obnoxious people who have been on Broadway in mediocre to awful productions, BC as Hamlet is the one that you can’t abide. (Not a slight I am genuinely laughing, you do you)

    • EN says:

      You are showing your hand just a bit too much, it is obvious you can’t stand him. That is OK, but he is an excellent actor. As others have said when it comes to polluting there are quite a few unsavory and simply plain characters in NY we could talk about instead.

      • seesittellsit says:

        Good lord, how many times do I have to ask people to re-read the comment? Nowhere does it say Cumberbatch is a bad actor. He’s a very good actor. I don’t have to like him or his wife to acknowledge his talent. But as I have made clear on numerous occasions, I really dislike this kind of updated Shakespeare and the crux of my criticism is directed at another wearisome attempt to “modernize” something that really doesn’t need it.

    • Tina says:

      That is the hands-down funniest thing I have seen all day. Thanks for the laugh!

    • madly says:

      Are you referring to how they start the play with the “To be or not to be” speech?

    • Dani says:

      I’m pretty neutral on this guy still but amen, Skedaddle.

      You want to talk crimes on Broadway, try horror shows like Christie Brinkley in Chicago, Nick Jonas in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying or Katie Holmes in All My Sons.

      I’m more familiar with Lyndsey Turner than Cumberbatch, and let me tell you, she does not play around. She is also a liberal preview user. Chimerica changed a lot for the better.

  2. Abbott says:

    Sophie looks nice.

  3. madly says:

    More importantly, Hiddles was spotted at the National Theater, exciting the stage door. Someone has a video of him chatting with people outside. No idea who he was with, but was it work related?

    • Lilacflowers says:

      He attended a performance of Three Days in the Country starring Mark Gatiss. Why bring that up here?

      • mimif says:

        Because we Need More Brain obviously.

      • madly says:

        Because I wanted to.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        And more Pinky too!

      • s says:

        Mimif, slayer of the interwebs.

      • Dara says:

        Let’s just use it as an excuse to talk London theatre. Elephant Man, Three Days in the Country. Any other London hot tickets that might be of interest? Whishaw is doing a Greek play at the Almeida – how were the reviews?

      • An says:

        @Dara–Mostly 3/5 stars. It’s good but not great, lacks emotion.

      • Dara says:

        Thanks @An. Greek drama has never really been my thing so it sometimes surprises me to see it performed so often in London, and in mostly high-profile, top-talent productions too.

        I might be off base, but it’s a rarity to see it performed in the states, outside university drama-schools that is. Mention Greek drama to most people here and they’ll probably assume you mean Zorba and his fiddle.

      • hermia says:

        The problem with Bakkhai is the chorus. It goes on too long and slows things down. Otherwise the two lead actors are great, especially Carvel.
        Dara, I would advise Measure for Measure at the Globe, which is superb.

      • Maxime duCamp says:

        Hermia, so glad to hear that about Measure for Measure. I got tickets to see it in late September when I’ll be in London to see that other Shakespeare play among other things (also excited to see Farinelli and the King with Mark Rylance, which I believe has also gotten great reviews and Hangmen at the Royal Court, sadly couldn’t fit in Three Days in the Country).

      • Tina says:

        Totally agree with @hermia on Bakkhai, the leads were great but there was too much of the chorus. The Almeida’s amazing Oresteia got a transfer to Trafalgar Studios though, it’s super long and Greek tragedy but really compelling. And if you like musicals, Imelda Staunton is fabulous in Gypsy and I’m looking forward to Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl at Menier Chocolate Factory.

      • hermia says:

        @maxime The lead actor Dominic Rowan is a favourite of mine and here is in fine form. Mariah Gale (Ophelia in Tennant’s Hamlet) is also really good, and as it always happens with all the plays at The Globe, there’s a lot of interaction with the audience. A great night out, you’ll love it.

        @Tina I’m planning to see the Oresteia and also the day-long Iliad, part of the Greeks season of the Almeida. Too much theatre, not enough time. 🙂

      • Dara says:

        Stahp! I was already envious enough of y’all living in London. I guess it is my own fault, I did ask. But damn. Sometimes I forget how truly amazing the theatre scene is.

        Splendour at the Donmar looks interesting too.

  4. MAC says:

    Please please go away

  5. Lilacflowers says:

    *A question with a SPOILER alert for a 400 year old play*

    Is it wrong of me to be concerned that a Shakespearean play in which everyone commits suicide or is murdered is being described as “playful?”

    • mimif says:

      Great, thanks for ruining the play for me, Lilacflowers.

    • EN says:

      I always saw Hamlet as a prince charming gone wrong story, the fact that everyone dies was a sad side effect. )) But most of the play is not really sad.

    • PrettyBlueFox says:

      I see a lot of room for dark humor in Hamlet, but given that *spoiler alert* the murder of Hamlet’s father and subsequent fallout is hanging over the action from the beginning, I always feel a very oppressive air over Elsinore throughout the entire play. So playful is not the first word that comes to mind. (Although I guess some of that depends on how the actor interprets Hamlet’s true nature – if he’s clearly feigning madness to eff with everyone, then maybe it could be kinda maniacally playful? On the other hand if Hamlet is acted as genuinely going mad, playfulness seems crass to me.)

      Disclaimer for the Cumber-defenders: No I haven’t seen this version and I’m not passing judgment on it; I’m only giving my own impressions of the text.

      • EN says:

        > if he’s clearly feigning madness to eff with everyone, then maybe it could be a manic playfulness? On the other hand if Hamlet is acted as genuinely going mad, playfulness seems crass to me

        I think in the beginning I think he is faking madness, But by the end he really goes mad with grief and also there is a part of human nature where if you pretend being something for so long, you become it. So, all this pretending eventually pulls him in.

      • icerose says:

        I like there review which mentioned chubby teddy bear although i agree it is to early for reviewes- my ticket had could no go back due to health reasons but as I did not get it through the Barbican scramble it was much easier to get a return it without all the gurfufal at the Barbican. Itwill be interesting to see what comes out.Some comments have been terrible which has upset some fans who call it trolling but there is no point getting upset because you cannot cope with criticism on some the critism with in some of the critics early reviews and comments by people who have seen it and commented on theatre sites-it is all part and parcel of the theatre.

    • hermia says:

      Have you seen these? I saw them at the National Theatre and think they are hilarious 🙂
      http://imageweb-cdn.magnoliasoft.net/nattheatre/supersize/everybodydiesposterart.jpg

      • Lilacflowers says:

        I’ve seen something similar in the past but that IS hilarious.

      • hermia says:

        And when we saw these cards in the shop, next to them was the book “Colour me good Benedict Cumberbatch” and the same for TH. My friend and I were in stitches. 🙂

  6. madly says:

    Anyone know when Hiddles is going to go film Skull Island?

    • mimif says:

      Why bring that up here?

    • Dara says:

      At the risk of cross-contaminating the thread and catching hell…mid-October is the date that’s floating around. After Crimson Peak premieres.

      • madly says:

        Thanks Dara. Benedict fans are so sensitive these days. LOL.

      • Beth No. 2 says:

        Mid-October? So he is not doing an Oscar campaign for ISTL?

        In other news, the distributor SPC has just acquired a biopic depicting the life of jazz legend Miles Davis and starring Don Cheadle in lead. They have not set a release date yet but if this movie is dated for Oscar season, Hiddles may not be SPC’s main male pony in the race after all.

      • Dara says:

        @Beth, If ISTL gets an awards push from SPC I would imagine most of the heavy lifting would be at the major fall festivals which are in September and early October. At least Skull Island is filming in North America, so if he has to do some events in support of ISTL after October it won’t be too crazy difficult to go back and forth to LA or NY or somewhere between.

        I’m happy for Cheadle, I know Miles Ahead has been a passion project for him – but SPC picking it up when they already had ISTL doesn’t speak well of their confidence in ISTL being able to go the distance at awards time. Unless the plan is to deliberately sit on either ISTL or Miles Ahead until 2016 to avoid having them compete with each other, which I suppose is possible – but not likely imo.

      • Beth No. 2 says:

        @Dara

        Yep the fall festival circuit is part of a campaign; I was referring more to the behind-the-scenes schmoozing of the AMPAS members – the special screenings, guild events, luncheons, private parties and whatnot which can last into Nov/Dec.

        Usually a campaign begins by building buzz with (hopefully) a strong critics reception from the film festivals, and then the contenders would work the circuit with the AMPAS members. These behind-the-scenes events are important as the bulk of AMPAS voters don’t watch the movies at film festivals; they don’t even watch them in movie theatres but via DVD screeners sent by the distributors. And they receive tonnes of screeners each year, so these events are a way to ensure your movie remains on their radar (unless you’re a big star like Meryl Streep or have a big-name director) and more importantly, to raise one’s profile and likability factor so that they would vote for you.

        On Miles Ahead, I agree the acquisition indicates a lack of confidence on SPC’s part in ISTL. Usually distributors like to spread their bets and acquire films which compete in different categories. That ISTL and Miles Ahead are so alike – biopics, troubled musicians, clear lead actor, with possibly the wife role as a supporting actress, etc – is quite telling. Deferring release till 2016 is possible but unlikely, for they usually track movies years in advance.

        That said, Miles Ahead is not without issues – Cheadle himself is an unproven director, he has had funding issues and the movie only got distribution at the last minute. But if the movie is well-received by critics, he has a very strong narrative given that he is a respected veteran and is helming his passion project. Very interesting to see how it’d unfold.

      • Dara says:

        Thanks @Beth#2 – I never knew how many industry events there actually were. I figured there were just a few that could be ticked off the list on the weekends, but I guess not.

        It sounded like the press release announcing the deal for Miles Ahead had been written quickly – or by an intern. It called Miles Davis an iconic singer…oops. Maybe they don’t have a solid plan in place yet and grabbed it because they could, because it was a bargain, or to keep someone else from getting it. The mind boggles at all the chess moves that are probably going on behind the scenes.

      • Beth No. 2 says:

        @Dara

        There are many industry events, but I think a large part of them are also arranged by the distributors, either by themselves or in concert with “sponsors” or special interest groups or asking the actors’ influential friends in the industry to host screenings. It is possible for actors to still mount a campaign even during filming or acting in a play say in NYC, but I’d imagine it is hard to do if they are shooting Kong in a remote location.

        On your question, I think it depends on the distributor as they can have varied strategies. Some may throw their resources behind a single horse; others back several horses and run multiple campaigns. But even in the latter case, these are usually movies which are differentiated from each other (e.g. last season SPC had three movies but they compete in different major categories – Lead Actress for Still Alice; Supporting Actor and the sound techs for Whiplash; Lead Actor and Director for Foxcatcher).

        Generally speaking most distributors do identify their #1, #2 etc horses beforehand so that, as you said, they can better focus their resources. But sometimes it may not pan out as expected and they switch horses halfway. E.g. last season SPC’s main horse at the outset was likely Foxcatcher given that it won at Cannes, but as the race unfolded Whiplash emerged as their strongest bet. Which was surprising as Whiplash was a Sundance breakout and small indies do not tend to fare well at the Oscars, but it had generated huge passion amongst AMPAS and became the third biggest winner on Oscar night.

        On Demolition, I haven’t been following it so I am not sure why it still is opening TIFF despite being moved to 2016. I’d just add that not all festival movies are Oscar contenders – there are plenty of failed Oscar bait movies or those which go to festival to build buzz and boost box office prospects. E.g., when they market the film later, they can add the text in “laurel leaves” to say that it screened at XYZ festival and lend it some cachet. Given that Demolition is dated for April 2016, I’d say Fox Searchlight has given up on its awards hopes. Its release date is ineligible for the current season, and too early for next season. I can only surmise it will just be a commercial play, and one which rightly avoids the busy Oct-Jan period where there is a lot more competition for audience dollars.

      • Dara says:

        Thanks @Beth, all good info.

        I keep thinking about the James Brown biopic last year. Chadwick Boseman got raves and some buzz for possible awards but it ended up as a blip in the overall scheme of things once it was released. I think it had some distribution problems, but I was surprised at just how little attention it got in the end. Perfect example of how music bio-pics aren’t necessarily a guarantee of anything, even if the actor hits it out of the park performance-wise.

      • NUTBALLS says:

        I somehow missed this thread, but in the event anyone’s checking back…

        Dara, I had the same thoughts when I saw the news on Cheadle’s Miles Davis biopic this weekend. Getting the coveted closing spot at NYFF and not knowing yet where ISTL is premiering, it sounded like Sony might be putting more muscle behind Miles Ahead. All things being equal, wouldn’t an African-American, Oscar-nominated actor hold an edge over a Brit in the best actor category?

        Calling him a singer was a major gaff for whoever wrote the publicity statement. Geez. Nothing like having your “oops” all over the interwebs for mocking.

        It’s slated for release on Oct 10th or 11th, depending on who you believe, so it will compete with ISTL.

        Appreciate your insights Beth… it will be an interesting Oscar season to watch.

    • icerose says:

      i saw some possible new co stars but it sounded a bit dogey

  7. EN says:

    Since I am not going to see him on Broadway anyway, I selfishly hope that he passes Broadway up and does a movie instead.
    Career wise I also think it is better for him to do movies now, when he is still relatively young. He can still do Broadway in 10-15 years.

  8. Pondering thoughts says:

    Hamlet stage pictures, please!

  9. Dani says:

    I know it’s none of my business but do we know his sons name yet? Benedict Timothy Carlton Hunter-Cumberbatch Jr.?

  10. Fluffy says:

    IMO Maxine Peake was the best recent Hamlet.

    Can’t wait for David Tennant’s Richard II to transfer to NY next year.

    • vauvert says:

      That I will fly in to see…

    • TotallyBiased says:

      Maxine Peake is the Hamlet I regret missing, that’s for sure!

      • hermia says:

        I think they filmed it so there may be an Encore in the cinemas.

      • Sixer says:

        I saw it! I saw it! I love Peake and she was great. It was filmed and anyone in the UK with a Sky subscription can download it from the Sky Arts On Demand section – I’ve watched that way too, and it’s been done pretty well. (Presumably, this also means it’s available by nefarious means on the interwebz).

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Thanks for the info, Sixer. I will search the interwebz. I think Peake is fantastic and would have loved to see her Hamlet in person.

      • hermia says:

        Thanks Sixer, I didn’t know it was on Murdoch’s

    • Dara says:

      Was the Ben Whishaw play filmed? That performance would probably be on my list as one I regret missing. If you’re in the states, you can watch the Tennant version of Hamlet online http://video.pbs.org/video/1473795626/

      • hermia says:

        The Whishaw version can be seen at he V&A archives. So if you are in London, yes, you can see it. 🙂

    • icerose says:

      I saw Maxine Peake and she was brilliant

  11. speshul says:

    Funny how much he was whoring, I mean selling, his personal life, but now alls quiet on the Cumby Front. He was practically sharing the texts between him and Sophie, but now they cant even proffer up the name of his son? What, is that too personal? Or are they waiting to drop that tidbit for his next project, since his whole existence is now 1000% scripted?

  12. noneyadambus says:

    Pictures are out as well as him running in London in the Bridge shirt. I hope he has more then one of those shirts. Or a maid who does his laundry every day. He’s been seen in it every day this week, just about.

    *Possible Spoilers*

    On Hamlet, it can have dark humour. Watch Tennant. DON’T watch Mel Gibson or Ethan Hawke. Read it though. All the versions. It changes how you come at it. Also IMO, Hamlet was to a degree truly mad. He was royalty. Even at that point royalty had begun to show the signs of marrying cousins for generations. Most likely Fortenbras(that is fighting Denmark in the play) is a cousin. His Uncle Claudius is probably also a cousin. Ever take a look at a Royal family tree? It circles! One of the major problems with generations of repeated incestuous relations is madness. Look to the Haspburgs and George the III. Sorry for going OT BUT I like History!

    • hermia says:

      SPOILERS On opening night he cut out the line “Frailty thy name is woman”: his mistake or directorial choice? 🙂
      Broadway? Let’s hope so for him, but especially the rest of the cast.
      In my humble opinion After the Dance was better than this Hamlet; even his acting was better, more subtle and infinitely more moving.
      Just my two cents, don’t maim me 🙂

    • hermia says:

      Is it by any chance the DM who have these pics? How very odd 🙂

      • Pat says:

        I would assume so. He’s a popular subject and they’re actually the largest pap shot buyers in the UK, not the Sun.

      • hermia says:

        He must hate being in the papers every time he goes for a walk. Maybe he should move to NY, to get his privacy back. I bet the only reasons he stays here are his parents.

      • Pat says:

        If you mean they know where he lives (IDK lol), yeah, it’s a given with all the attention the play is getting, his pics will go for more now. They’ll hang around the area because they know he’s gotta leave for sure at one point.

        I gotta say a lot of the freelance paps that work with the Daily Mail are pretty scummy, former News of the Worlds phototags. Sued many, many times.

      • hermia says:

        I’m surprised they have refrained from publishing pics of his new family, seeing as they stop at nothing. Horrid people.

  13. chantal says:

    I have a feeling his wife prefers NY. I can see him doing Hamlet later next year if his wife gets a job in NY. BC is going to take an apt in NY soon. Just a guess.

  14. misery chick says:

    I’d very much appreciate any and all answers to my question-I really want to know and I apologize for going OT, being irrelevant, etc.

    OK (deep breath) here goes: Did anyone see the restaged/repurposed “Les Miserables”? I believe it was at the Barbican and starred Ramin Karimloo (sp?) as JVJ.

    I’d love to know overall impressions, what songs were left out or added, how the barricade was done…basically I will swoon over any morsel given.

    I don’t know how many times I’ve see ‘Les Miserables’ over the past 20+ years, all in California, never on Broadway, unfortunately.
    The first time I went I took my mother for her birthday, I thought she would love it, but I had absolutely no interest in the story…little did I know that I would fall deeply and completely in love upon hearing the first 60 seconds of music! I felt my heart soar up to heaven and I saw God while seeing this beautiful, amazing work of art.

    I know I’m sounding crazy creepy goofball, BUT it’s how I feel.

    Thanks!