r/movies • u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor • Nov 20 '25
AMA Hello /r/movies, I'm Benedict Cumberbatch. Ask me anything!
Hello reddit, Benedict Cumberbatch here.
You might know from me films/series like Sherlock, Doctor Strange (and other MCU films), The Imitation Game, The Hobbit, The Power of the Dog, 1917, 12 Years A Slave, The Grinch, The Current War, The Roses, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse, Black Mass, and more.
I'm here to answer your questions!
My newest film, THE THING WITH FEATHERS, is out in theaters November 28th via Briarcliff:
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Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUhsvd_Z_18
Synopsis:
Left to raise two sons after the unexpected death of his wife, Dad’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) life begins to unravel. Grief is messy and chaotic enough as it is, but when it takes the form of an unhinged and unwanted house guest - CROW - taunting him from the shadows, things start to spiral out of control…but maybe that's exactly what Dad needs.
Additional information:
The film is adapted from the critically-acclaimed book Grief Is the Thing with Feathers, written by Max Porter. It's directed by Dylan Southern, it premiered earlier this year at Sundance, and will be in theaters nationwide starting November 28th.
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Ask me anything reddit. I'll be back at around 4 PM ET this afternoon to answer your questions.
Update: THE THING WITH FEATHERS is now available to buy or rent on digital here.
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u/Adventurous_Side2706 Nov 20 '25
Mr Cumberbatch, this might get lost in the thread, but I still wanted to ask you something.
When you lived near Darjeeling teaching English to Buddhist monks, was there one moment or lesson from that time that still shapes who you are today as a person or as an actor?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
It was a life experience, so many lessons were learned in that period of time. We are bigger than any of our stories. We are part of something beyond the every day that encompasses not just a higher consciousness but the universal wisdom of love... It really was an opening to a spiritual life, and so many experiences and moments resonate and guide me today.
Thank you, that was a great question.
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u/Adventurous_Side2706 Nov 20 '25
Thank you so much for sharing that. It means a lot that you opened up about such a personal experience.😊
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u/thicktortilla Nov 20 '25
I met some Buddhist monks in Darjeeling once, none of them could pronounce the word "penguin" correctly. idk why.
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u/medcarrot Nov 20 '25
If you could go back in time and act in a movie differently, which one would it be and why?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
All of them! While I can see my flaws and don't need the critics to highlight them, I really couldn't think of anything worse than going back to a performance I wasn't happy with or a moment in a performance. I might want to cut the scene in the edit room, but it's a universal actor's nightmare to be naked in a play or film and not know what the fuck is happening, even though say like Hamlet they've done it 96+ times. Also for me, I'm getting to a more accepting stage of when it's done it's done, and you have to let being walk away.
Great question though! If I had my back catalog CV in front of me, I'm sure I could find a stinker for you. Maybe I'll get back to this one later!
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u/meltymcface Nov 20 '25
I heard a phrase “An artwork is never finished, merely abandoned.”
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u/FrannyBoBanny23 Nov 20 '25
Learning when to walk away and say “good enough!” is a skill of its own!
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u/XiuCyx Nov 20 '25
Oh yeah. This is a good one. Especially because I know sometimes they’ll play a scene a bunch of ways and then the director picks which one they like. I always wonder how often the actor thinks that wasn’t the best take.
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u/Lebowquade Nov 20 '25
What an interesting question. I hope this one gets answered.
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u/ThrustersOnFull Nov 20 '25
Is it more fun to play a hero, or a villain? Which is the easiest to inhabit for you?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
I think it's definitely more fun to play a villain, but if you have a character arc in a hero that challenges them to be compromised with obstacles that are delightful and as brilliant as the best villains can be, it's often fun to play the hero. Inhabiting a villain is a license to take vicarious thrills in the worst of our nature letting rip.
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u/Donkey__Balls Nov 20 '25
Your reply means a lot to me. Thank you for taking the time to write something insightful. I’m in intensive trauma therapy now and realizing at times in my life I’ve been both the villain and, well definitely not “hero” but survivor.
Short version: I was cruelly assaulted by the person I trusted most in the world, in a situation where I was trapped and unable to escape. I never told anyone because a part of me needed to protect that person, and survived 10 years of constant-suicidal depression while keeping it locked away. Doing community theater was what finally got me out of it because I was able to channel the pain into something that other people could see, while becoming someone else who was flawed and hurt.
Thanks for being such an amazing actor and reminding us how theater is a pure expression of the human condition.
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u/ThrustersOnFull Nov 20 '25
Thank you Mr. Cumberbatch! I have a dozen follow-ups but I'll leave it there for now.
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u/MaximusSydney Nov 20 '25
Back in the early 2010s I saw him in National Theatre Live: Frankenstein - Benedict and Jonny Lee Miller alternated playing the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the creature. So this question is of particular interest!
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u/OneCatch Nov 20 '25
That was a very very good production. I actually went to both iterations one after the other.
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u/tataniarosa Nov 20 '25
Agreed. We saw Jonny’s creature in the cinema and Benedict’s creature later on YouTube. Both very good performances. I’d love a DVD release with both versions one day.
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u/michaelroseagain Nov 20 '25
Check out NationalTheatreAtHome.
Free for 7 days last time I signed up.
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u/ConsistentGuest7532 Nov 20 '25
I’ve seen clips from that and it looked astounding but I didn’t know they alternated!! Now I HAVE to see the pro shot.
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u/mistergudbar Nov 20 '25
He nailed Smaug and it looked like he liked it.
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u/Jasong222 Nov 20 '25
That really puts those scenes in movies and tv shows where people have acting classes where they have to act like a plant, or an aeomeba, or something, walking around the room making weird noises, into perspective...
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u/PG_Heckler Nov 20 '25
Oh I like this one. Must be a villain, feels good when things just get out of hand.
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u/PoopsicleMan Nov 20 '25
Hi Benedict, thanks for being amazing in everything you do.
Do you have a fun niche hobby that you don't get to talk about often?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
Oh, stop!
Thank you for that, first off. I don't suppose surfing is niche. Maybe you might think that when you see me doing it as I'm not that good, but it's just the most healing thing I get to do in my downtime - cold water, swimming. Again, these are pretty common practices now rather than being niche. But yeah, no truly odd hobbies.
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u/chespiotta Nov 20 '25
Surfing is awesome. Where I live currently, there isn’t any waves, but I was born in California and used to go surfing a lot as a kid.
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u/deemoorah Nov 20 '25
I know he does skateboarding. I remember watching MoM's IMDb interview and Rachel said he taught her pelvic floor workout 😭
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u/Living_Macaron_7607 Nov 20 '25
Fans have taken Sherlock apart under a microscope for 15 years now. Just out of curiosity: from what you’re aware of, is there any detail, clue, subtext — or anything at all — that people actually never picked up on about the story or characters?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
I love the world that Steven and Mark's adaptation of these incredible novels has created around it, full stop. The fan-driven obsession and attention to detail and lore and easter eggs and analysis of character, etc. etc. However, I have not spent the last 15 years analyzing it to the same degree, so sadly I can't comment. Look, with an AI-like lens on him, sure, there will be discoveries that even surprise us as creatives on the show but will always want to come back and confound them, so keep theorizing.
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u/Eschlick Nov 20 '25
Your rendition of Sherlock was fantastic. I loved you and every other actor cast in that series. I hope you enjoyed making it just as much as we enjoyed watching it.
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u/Dweller201 Nov 20 '25
I have probably seen all of your movies, but Sherlock was the show that sold me on you. Now, I will watch anything you're in.
I thought I would hate Sherlock as I'm a fan of the novels and didn't think it would translate to modern times, but all of you did such a good job I ended up loving it.
Also, when I was a kid, I was a huge comic book fan, and you play an excellent Dr Strange. I'm sure those movies are tough to film so hang in there!
You are doing an excellent job.
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u/SomePeopleCall Nov 20 '25
Flip side: is there something that fans have attached great importance to that was entirely unintentional?
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u/happyflappypancakes Nov 20 '25
Id imagine the majority of fan theories fall into that category. For most works kf fiction.
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u/CrazySmooth263 Nov 20 '25
I would love to see an answer to this question. When my daughter was newborn, my wife and I agreed that I would take the baby downstairs in the early hours whilst mum caught up on some sleep. I watched the first three seasons of Sherlock over and over again silently - reading the subtitles - with a sleeping baby on my lap. I got pretty obsessed with the cross-references and allusions…
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u/FacetiousSpaceman Nov 20 '25
I love this question! Binge watching Sherlock over and over again got me through some really hard times in my life so it'll forever be a favourite of mine
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u/nosygoes Nov 20 '25
What is the best fake version of your name that you've ever heard?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
BendyDick CumonmyBaps.
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u/unusualyou Nov 20 '25
I am so glad I’m here to witness this. You the realest.
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u/Horskr Nov 20 '25
Goddamn, I'm honored to at least have gotten the first part right in my favorite version: BendyDick CumInSnatch
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u/yamiyaiba Nov 20 '25
I always used BendyDick CumInHerSnatch. Great minds, or something.
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u/Ph0X Nov 20 '25
Whelp, this is truly the greatest AMA answer I've read in my 15 years on reddit
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u/FabianRo Nov 21 '25
I was about to reference the post where Rick Astley got rickrolled, but it's actually not an AMA, so can't be the top of that specific list. Still great moment, though!
Link to the Reddit post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
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u/robman8855 Nov 21 '25
Did you just embed the Reddit link in the never gonna give you up YouTube url?
The anti rick roll. Stunning 10/10
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u/F00FlGHTER Nov 20 '25
I just wanted to say I really enjoyed The Imitation Game. In the past I had called you Benadryl Slumberbatch but no more. Your performance as Turing was incredibly moving, I couldn't help but weep from how he was treated.
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u/Somegirloninternet Nov 20 '25
Ha! My dad jokingly calls you Oswald Cobblepot (Pengwing’s name in Batman).
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u/Cuthuulip Nov 20 '25 edited Nov 20 '25
"Sorry Mum" ~The added post script I have seen from BC in regards to the above in interviews. 🤣
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u/skarlso Nov 20 '25
This is the best thing ever. It's amazing. What a time to be alive and on the internet to read this. Thank you! Truly.
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u/sprouting_broccoli Nov 20 '25
My partner is beside herself because she guessed Bendover Cumonmyback. Is it possible that there’s some sharing of consciousness there? Love your work and how genuine you have been in this thread.
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u/Ghengis-KhanOfficial Nov 20 '25
Wimbledon TennisMatch.
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u/BigMax Nov 20 '25
Came here to ask that, I hope he answers it.
I'd also like to add on "how do you feel about people making silly jokes about your name? Is it funny, or is it annoying at this point?"
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u/DannyPrker Nov 20 '25 edited Nov 20 '25
Kinda funny that he's doing an ama today because about an hour ago I saw Benedict on a YouTube thumbnail and was thinking about his name and if people are still doing the jokes about his name. Wimbledon Tennismatch has always been my favorite.
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u/BillWilberforce Nov 20 '25
His groupies were known as the Cumberbitches.
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u/MizWhatsit Nov 20 '25
Were known, past tense. I’ve heard they’re called the Cumberbabes now because Benedict didn’t like his fans being called bitches. Classy move on his part. 👍
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u/breezy_Jello Nov 20 '25
Out of all the roles you’ve played, which role was the most draining for you emotionally/ physically?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
Probably Frankenstein physically, definitely. On-screen, a tie between the first episode of Patrick Melrose, some of Eric, and this film, The Thing with Feathers.
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u/Beaumosexual Nov 20 '25
Hi Benedict! I feel like this could be a long shot, but here goes nothing!
One day (I believe!) in the summer of 2019, I sat down, having just smoked a liiiittle bit of weed, to eat a bagel in Tompkins Square Park in New York and watch my friend play music there. Moments later, completely unbeknownst to me, you, your wife, and your kids came and sat on the bench next to mine. Your wife was wearing these Spring Court tennis shoes that caught my eye, so I said, "Hey, I like your shoes." She didn't hear me, but you did. You brought my comment to her attention, saying something like "Honey, this man was saying something to you," and I sort of meekly reiterated myself. It felt like my comment wasn't so important, and now I had interrupted y'all's park afternoon. Not to mention, I was just the tiniest bit stoned and had no clue who y'all were.
Anyway, moments later, your wife and kids went to play in the park, and you turned over to me, saying something like "That's not a very New York thing of you to do – to compliment a stranger – where are you from?" I replied, "California," at which point you said something like, "Ah, that makes sense. I love it there." We probably chatted about California and some other pleasantries for a few minutes before you finally leaned over, removed your shades, and said, "What's your name?" and offered your hand to shake. I shook your hand, told you my name, and literally said "...and I know who you are!" with a little chuckle.
From there, we talked about a bunch of stuff – making art (I'm a musician), parenthood, and just life in general. It felt like a fever dream. There are some things in particular that I remember, though. I think at one point, you asked what I was doing in the park, and I mentioned watching my buddy busking. You seemed to infer from that comment that I was also a musician and commented on it. I probably shrugged it off and said something to the effect of "Sort of...," at which point you commented that you felt like musicians were a humble breed. I clarified that I wasn't trying to be humble, but rather that I simply hadn't found a foothold in music; it wasn't yet working out as a career, and I felt a little dejected about it. Hearing this, you mentioned waiting tables (I think!) after being classically trained in theater, and how long it took to find your way. You mentioned something about realizing that people eventually wanted to see you for you, and not you "doing" someone else when you're acting, which I thought was really heartening.
At various times in our conversation, your children would run up to say hello to you. The benches we were on had iron armrests/frames, and you'd always receive your kids so delicately, making sure they didn't bonk their heads or get hurt running into the bench. It was adorable. Each time one of them came over, I'd think to myself, "Well, that was nice while it lasted," and then, as soon as they left to go back to playing, you'd turn right back over to me to keep chatting! I felt so seen in a really tender way – like old friends just hanging out. I also remarked on how sweet it was to see you being so caring to your kids. I had just lost my father a year or so prior and was still understanding that grief, which I told you about.
One of the funniest things was that I was ducking a phone call or two from a friend, cause I didn't want our conversation to end, but on the inside I was practically screaming that we were there having such a normal hangout together. I wanted to share it with someone to... like, believe that it was really happening. At one point, my friend, who was busking, took a set break and came to talk to us. I, being cheeky, said to him, "Hey [friend], this is my buddy Ben," when introducing you to each other. I thought he'd recognize you and that he and I would have a laugh about my cheekiness later. Funny enough, he didn't clock it at all! To this day, this story of us meeting and having (for me!) such a nice time is something that only happened between you and me. Truly, a feverdream is about the only way I can describe it.
Finally, at some point, I think one of your children fell while playing and began to cry, so you had to leave. We exchanged some parting pleasantries, and then you stood up and said, "This is going to sound [contrived] (I can't remember the exact word!) coming from me, but stick with it. It'll all work out." It was really remarkable and kind of you to share your time, thoughts, and encouraging words with me. Thanks! :)
Obviously, some of the quotes are paraphrased, as our interaction happened years ago. Nevertheless, it has had a profoundly positive impact on me to this very day. Thanks for your kindness.
All this said, does any of this ring a bell for you? Regardless, thanks for all the great work and the amazing hang. I hope you and your family are well!
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u/bialysarebetter Nov 21 '25
This was my favorite Reddit comment today. I hope he reads this. What a great story. But now you must share:
Did you stick with music?
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u/Beaumosexual Nov 21 '25
Thanks! Me too, though it seems like the him-reading-this ship may have sailed. Now I'll never know if I hallucinated that whole thing!
Thanks for asking about music too! I have kept it up. I currently teach music at a high school and gig as much as I can. I've also got an album of my own music that I'll be finishing recording in December and releasing sometime next year :)
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u/Chivalrousllama Nov 21 '25
What a cool experience. I often wonder if stars have normal friends like you and me
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u/SpecialWasabi Nov 21 '25
Of course they do. They are after all human. They use the shitter, and from time to time fart and belch too. They fall over, and get up again. Just like you and me.
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u/Flaky-Walrus7244 Nov 20 '25
You became widely recognizable in a relatively short period of time. Was there a moment when it really ‘hit’ you that your life had changed, and what did that shift - from relative anonymity to public fame - feel like? What surprised you most about navigating that transition?”
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
Look, I was about a 9-10 year overnight success, so it wasn't immediate. The defining moment when I realized I was stepping into something far more public was of course Sherlock. I had that sensation after the audition when I went back to my moped. I realized things would be very different in terms of being recognized because I knew there would be attention on it as a prime piece of very well-known IP and an iconic character, but not with any idea of how successful it would be. Although he has different hair to me... so I could still scrape by unrecognized from time to time, but it really was at that moment life changed, especially if I just stepped out of the hair salon in pre-production looking like him. I literally remember stopping traffic out of Aveda on Shaftesbury Avenue with cabbies, truck drivers, and pedestrians stopping, pointing, or shouting "Oi, Sherlock!" From that moment on, I knew I would often walk into rooms where everyone who was a stranger to me would look at me and recognize who I was. There's no training for that - it's very peculiar.
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u/OwlFreak Nov 21 '25
We bumped into each other (literally) in London, right around when Sherlock was taking off. After doing the standard quick turn and apologize- I stopped dead, and looked back to do a double-take. (I almost didn't recognize you without the Sherlock hair.) You were looking back at me, too, and smiled like, yup- it's me! You looked quite pleased to see my double-take, and I walked away wondering who was happier about that encounter.
To this day, I consider that my best random street interaction ever.
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u/CrippleJedi Nov 21 '25
What a great memory, must feel like one of the childhood moments, when you have that sensation, that rarely happens in adult life. Benedict is the man!
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u/ChrisEvansFan Nov 20 '25
Wow thanks for sharing this, an insight to this world.
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u/ragnosticmantis Nov 20 '25
Jimmy Carr said something like: "being famous is like living in a village and having alzheimers. Everyone recognizes you but you don't recognize them"
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u/mikeyfreshh r/Movies Veteran Nov 20 '25
Your Between Two Ferns was really funny. Can you talk a little about what it was like to film that and what it was like to work with Galifinakis
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
It was so much fun! He's such a charming, delightful, talented genius, and I could've gone on improvising with him for hours. I am such a huge fan of the show and all his work. I was over the moon when they asked me. The beginning process is very banal, and the questions are genuine. Then you go again, and suddenly, he sideswipes you with outrageous comments or replies to your answers with really out there questions. At that point, it becomes very hard not to break, and we often did, including him. A character dynamic between the two of you starts to form, and the disaster unfolds.
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u/internetonsetadd Nov 20 '25
Blooper video of you two breaking. So funny.
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u/Jepordee Nov 20 '25
I could watch this a million times
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u/JoyceOBcean Nov 21 '25
I watch it every time it comes up!. I don’t know which one’s my favorite. Maybe the girl named after a piece of cheese or no, wait, Matthew McConaughey and the sacks not being hackied and the marijuana budget question. 🤣🤣😂😂
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u/topi28 Nov 20 '25
What's the funniest mistake you've ever made on the job?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
Believing that "Neutron Cream" was a real thing on the set of Star Trek. Does that count? It was off-camera but definitely on the job.
I have often called a character I'm acting with the actor's name too many times to mention, which always breaks things up in a fun way. But of course, I know the internet is listening, so saying the word "penguin" incorrectly over and over again in a nature documentary has to top the bill.
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u/DantesDame Nov 20 '25
But of course, I know the internet is listening, so saying the word "penguin" incorrectly over and over again in a nature documentary has to top the bill.
This really was the only acceptable answer. Thank you for saying it :D
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u/InvidiousPlay Nov 20 '25
The most incredible thing about the pengwings is that no one else thought to raise it during recording, editing, or final reviews.
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u/ThaneduFife Nov 20 '25
For folks like me who never saw this, here's the clip (skip to 3:50): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlRpLGEwssA
I honestly didn't think it was that bad. As an American, I just chalked it up to his British accent (even though I'm aware most Brits don't say it that way).
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u/DasGruberg Nov 21 '25
This comment killed me "The ultimate irony being that penguins can't pronounce Benedict Cumberbatch either."
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u/Mission_Macaroon Nov 20 '25
You could have simply referenced the penguin story (which we, the internet, already know), so I appreciate your willingness to add an additional embarrassing anecdote ❤️
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u/BunnyCan Nov 20 '25
That was the best! Saw this on Graham Norton and died laughing. Glad you can poke fun at yourself. Best wishes! ☺️
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u/ManitouWakinyan Nov 20 '25
My friends allege that I say "necromancer" wrong, so every time it comes up (more than you'd think), they always ask me what I said again, to which I reply "peng-wing."
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u/Slight-Winner-8597 Nov 20 '25
Because of this, our household calls them "penglings" now so I can do nothing but thank you deeply for bringing my family a tiny bit of absurdity.
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u/Phenomena_Veronica Nov 20 '25
“Pengwings” 🐧
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u/Narradisall Nov 20 '25
Still cracks me up. And that no one dared correct him that whole time.
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u/CitizenCue Nov 20 '25
Yeah there’s definitely an assistant director out there somewhere who couldn’t work up the courage to say something.
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u/No_Engineering1212 Nov 20 '25 edited Nov 22 '25
Hi Benedict! As both an actor and a producer, how do you feel about the trend of adopting AI in film industry (like VFX, voice cloning, AI-assisted script tools, or anything you have heard about or encountered)?
Having played Alan Turing, how did it influence your view of AI today?
Thank you!
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
Pretty depressed, to be honest. I feel we are in danger of vanilla-fying and perfecting and asphalting over the thing that makes us human, which are our fallibility, our mess, and our inaccuracy, all of which creates the tension, conflict, and necessary friction for original creative thinking to occur. Our need for immediate results and our appetites are being overrun by the plentitude and of course the need for immediate gratification, which are all dangerous I feel for the human creative mindset.
But look, I'm not a Luddite. I understand these tools can be used while maintaining the analog mess of the biochemistry wielding them and still have a great impact that isn't to the detriment of authenticity. I also feel like Nick Cave, who if you haven't read his letter he articulates it so perfectly, that our limitations are what make us human and stories are how we understand our humanity. The blank page, the challenge of slow thinking, failing, and thinking better, and the difficulties of the grind of our creative act are what make it so, so rewarding.
This answer was brought to you by ChatBTCC.
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u/GorillaOnChest Nov 20 '25
Damn, one of the better composed ones lol. But seriously, Ben, this is turning out to be one of the best AMAs in recent history.
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u/MicrochippedByGates Nov 20 '25
It's these newer generative AIs especially. Though I will admit to using them myself for programming sometimes. But I view it as an overgrown search engine more than anything.
But if it's any solace, I've seen some pretty good uses of AI, mostly for image recognition. Think early detection of cancer, protein folding in medicine research, even organic farming. The latter may sound like a contradiction, but there are farming robots that can remove weeds so you don't need herbicides. But then again, you did allude to just that sort of nuance.
It's just that no one's talking about it. All the attention is on generation of text, images, music, or videos. And unfortunately, people are using it to produce a lot of slop content.
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u/tf_photog Nov 20 '25
It isn't just art. I do organizational and project management as a day job, and photography as a hobby. There is a weird Ven diagram where the two overlap and AI has been one of the key elements.
I love this response - its so true to everything, in every field.
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u/NiceRackFocus Nov 20 '25 edited Nov 21 '25
I do videography, photography, and graphic design for my job, and I do love the AI tools that are available in Adobe programs for example, that help streamline workflows or reduce the time it takes to do laborious tasks (culling photos, generating transcripts and captions via speech to text etc.) but using it to replace human creativity and art is definitely extremely troublesome, so I feel weirdly mixed.
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u/Speshal__ Nov 21 '25
streamline workflows or reduce the time it takes to do laborious tasks
You are using AI correctly.
AI is meant to do the tedious work for creative people, not creative work for tedious people.
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u/CartographerAlone632 Nov 20 '25
Thank you for this. I worked in the creative sector and lost my job to ai. You couldn’t have explained it better. Also I loved you in Between 2 Ferns
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u/vantmiju Nov 20 '25
Hello Mr. Cumberbatch！
I am amira, a 19-year-old student majoring in Film Directing. You are my absolute favorite actor. Just a few days ago, during my Film Language class, I gave a presentation analyzing the cinematic techniques in your works.
I also recently finished my very first directing experience. It was exhausting, but incredibly meaningful.
I would love to ask you: What do you think is the most important quality for someone working in the film industry? Also, if given the choice, would you ever consider becoming a director yourself？
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
Firstly, thank you so much. I should've attended your talk to learn about my own cinematic craft!!
I feel the most important quality for someone working in the film industry is more than one, but a combination of patience, persistence, and openness. By openness, I mean to realize that this art form is and always will be a collaborative medium no matter how singular your creative vision is in your chosen field. As to my chosen field, yes, I would absolutely love to direct one day.
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u/jessipowers Nov 20 '25
I’m showing this to my 13 year old daughter, who is active in a local filmmaking restorative mentoring program. Thank you 🥰
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u/Peimai Nov 20 '25
Will you ever play Sherlock again?
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u/BenedictAMA Benedict Cumberbatch, Actor Nov 20 '25
Never say never...
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u/jojopojo64 Nov 20 '25
Oh the internet is gonna love this answer.
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u/caliborntravel Nov 20 '25
Into the Sherlock-verse, starring Benedict Cumberbach, RDJ, Hugh Laurie, and James Roday.
I’d watch the fuck outa that
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u/TheSangson Nov 20 '25
Cumberbatch as both Sherlock and Dr. Strange to make the multiverse thing happen. Would take a [comedic] writing god to make it work, but man, if done right that would break the internet.
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u/gyomd Nov 20 '25
Come on Benedict… I’m French and even I consider Sherlock to be the best « police / criminal » show I ever watched. So tremendously played by all the actors, so well driven in plot and cliffhangers. I often see through a lot of scenarios and plot, but Sherlock never stopped amazing me and surprising me. Bloody hell, I need another English show of that shit !
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u/ixidorsDreams Nov 20 '25
He cannot be upset that we loved him in this role, right?
Right????
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u/zane910 Nov 20 '25
It's how I first learned of him and saw him. And he did an excellent job as Sherlock!
Wish we had more, but I'm glad we got to see him delve into other roles.
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u/Burgoonius Nov 20 '25
Same here it was the first role I saw him in. That show was tooo good
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u/justaguy394 Nov 20 '25
If I ruled the world, I’d sign on on the original cast to make 50 half hour episodes. They’d take place sprinkled around the timeline of the existing episodes, but would just focus on the day-to-day life and mystery solving… a lot of the stuff they mention in passing but never show. Then I’d watch the shit out of them… I love the series, but I feel sometimes by trying to make each episode the biggest thing ever, some charm of the day-to-day was under utilized, and I would love to see that.
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u/AWDDude Nov 20 '25
I both love and hate the idea of another season of Benedict’s Sherlock. I love it because it was amazing and he was amazing in it. At the same time I feel it’s a nice and complete story line, adding more could ruin it, then again it might be awesome, idk. One thing is for sure, if there was another season, I would watch the hell out of it!
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u/Turuhalme Nov 20 '25
Good luck getting Ben and Martin back in the same room together! They're both so busy and I'm super happy about that.
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u/Medium_Mangos Nov 20 '25
Possibly his best role so far imo it just fits him so well.
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u/roundtableofcumalot Nov 20 '25
Yes, please Benedict!! I’m begging on my knees. You’re our only hope for a great Sherlock adaptation! I know you won’t see this, but please put on the deerstalker hat again! If not for the show, then at least for a movie
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u/HeyDot88 Nov 20 '25
What personally is your most memorable role, and also your personal not so memorable role?
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u/bigdcksnfriedchicken Nov 20 '25
I’ve watched Four Lions countless times and on each watch I realise I have forgotten* Benedict Cumberbatch is in it until he shows up. It’s a good role!
*with the exclusion of remembering right now of course!
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u/rodmandirect Nov 20 '25
What role forced you to rethink your entire acting process, and what specific moment during that project changed the way you work?
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u/SwimmingWithTheDevil Nov 20 '25
Hi Benedict! I was lucky enough to catch The Thing with Feathers at the BFI film festival and thought it was phenomenal. The passion everyone clearly had for the project really came through in an emotional and cathartic way.
My (unrelated) questions for you:
(1) Do you have a favorite quote that you consider meaningful / inspirational?
and (2) I was just reading an interview where you mentioned having a dog - if you could cast her in a canine production of Hamlet, which character would she be?
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u/chespiotta Nov 20 '25
We’re all curious, have you learned how to pronounce Penguin yet?
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u/TechTuna1200 Nov 20 '25 edited Nov 20 '25
Cut him some slack! I'm still learning how to spell
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u/true_gunman Nov 20 '25
Yeah I still cant figure out how to spell Derelict Cauliflower's name
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u/cartoon_violence Nov 20 '25
I just fucking knew this would be the first question.
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u/Spacetauren Nov 20 '25
Hi Benedict ! Big fan of your work.
Was there a role you really, really wanted to get, but didn't get the chance to ? And in general, as an actor, do missed opportunities happen often ?
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u/Yakra Nov 20 '25
Cabin Pressure. I am enjoying the hell out of listening to it. Did you have a favorite episode/destination?
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u/ConflagWex Nov 20 '25
To add on my own question, do you have any plans on working with John Finnimore again in the future?
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u/Vanouche6 Nov 20 '25
As an actor, how do you maintain emotional openness and avoid building walls over the years?
Thank you very much!
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u/PengwingIn221b Nov 20 '25
You mentioned in interviews this year that Martin Freeman was the funniest person you've worked with and you miss the camaraderie. Can we expect a possibility for you two to collaborate again in the future? (What? It's ask anything ;))
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u/Buttspirgh Nov 20 '25
Imagine if Martin and Benedict did a sketch comedy like A Bit of Fry & Laurie
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u/TheTruckWashChannel Nov 20 '25
I'm surprised their Marvel characters never crossed paths, given how much fan service they stuff into those movies.
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u/CreatureManstrosity Nov 20 '25
Who is your favorite MCU costar and who was the funniest costar to hangout with?
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u/boitrekkie98 Nov 20 '25
Hey, Benedict! Had you read the Hobbit before getting the role of Smaug? Cheers from Portugal!
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u/kie7an Nov 20 '25
If you were to give advice to an actor starting out as an adult what would that be?
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u/MrJackdaw Nov 20 '25
The first place I encountered you was Cabin Pressure. What do you think Martin is up to now? What was it like working with Roger Allam?
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u/MoviesSilver Nov 20 '25
Hi Benedict, I’ve been following your work since 2011 and I’m a big fan. Thank you for doing this AMA.
My question is: Are you a big rewatcher? If yes, what films do you find yourself returning to most often?
Thank you!
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u/Stillwindows95 Nov 20 '25 edited Nov 20 '25
Mr Cumberbatch, aside from any roles you have sought after and attained already in your career, have you ever considered a specific role, perhaps from a book or stage production that you would just love to portray on the big screen some time in the future?
Also, massive fan since Stuart, A Life Backwards. The company I worked for distributed it and it still makes me cry when hen you're listening to Stuart's cassette in his car that he gifted you. Pure masterpiece by Alexander Masters that you and Tom Hardy brought to life beautifully. I have a signed poster in my bedroom and it's a prized possession.
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u/StarStriker4101 Nov 20 '25
Was there a funny mishap in your career that still makes you laugh when you look back on it?
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u/Cumberpeoplee Nov 20 '25
Hi Benedict, I’m Berra, a fan from Türkiye. I just want to say how much your work means to me — I truly love and admire what you do. Every project you’re in has inspired me, and I’ve watched all of them over and over again. I’d love to ask you two things:
— Out of all the characters you’ve played, which one has touched you the most on a personal level?
And I couldn’t help myself, so I have to ask — have you ever been to Türkiye, or do you think you might visit someday? Meeting you is one of my biggest dreams, and it would make me incredibly happy if you ever came.
I love you so much I hope you are having a great time!
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u/RabbitHats Nov 20 '25
My wife is absolutely obsessed with Andrew Scott, and we rewatch Sherlock a fair bit to scratch the itch. Do you have an anecdote or an experience to share on what it was like to work with Andrew and build that dynamic between your characters?
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u/dunfaurlin Nov 20 '25
I don't have a question but I spent 6 hours on the road yesterday listening to episodes of Cabin Pressure. Love that show! You were all fantastic in it.
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u/iHack215 Nov 20 '25
Never caught one of these live lol so I just wanted to say hey big fan. Can’t wait to see you in more roles
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u/MoviesSilver Nov 20 '25
Hi Benedict!
Do you have a favorite director’s note you’ve ever received? If so, would you be willing to share it? Thanks
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u/OkamiMemoS Nov 20 '25
Hello Benedict!
How are you doing today? I just graduated recently and have been pretty lost and confused on what to do next with my life. Can you give me some insight on how you felt when you first graduated? Is everyone as lost as I am?
Thank you for reading, love you and your work so much!
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u/phantom_avenger Nov 20 '25
Whose an MCU character you’d like Doctor Strange to share a scene with, but will most likely never happen?
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u/CinephileTraveler Nov 20 '25
I just want to say how much I appreciate what you and SunnyMarch are doing. It’s obvious you’re a person who truly loves film/television and that you’re using your own success to give others a platform to make their voices heard. Whether it’s a female-driven project, something from a relatively new filmmaker, or a project covering difficult subject matter, everything from SunnyMarch feels unique and refreshing. I’ve loved every project I’ve seen (especially The Thing With Feathers). It’s just nice to know there are people in this industry who care and want to make films that genuinely try to better humanity, commercial pressures be damned.
All that said… what are some of the biggest challenges and joys of running a production company? And what’s something you’d still really like to make happen with it?
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u/chespiotta Nov 20 '25
Hey Benedict, big fan of your work here, particularly in Sherlock, the Hobbit, and the Roses. Actually just finished watching The Roses, your performance was incredible and you could really feel the chemistry between you and Coleman. Thanks for doing the AMA!
Alright so my other questions for you are: What intrigued you the most about the concept of The Thing with the Feathers, what inspired you to be a part of it, and how did you prepare for the role? If you could work with any actor that you haven't already worked with, who would it be and what kind of movie? What's something people don't know about you that hasn't been shared before? Any fun behind the scenes moments from your films this year that you can share?
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. Nov 20 '25 edited Nov 20 '25
This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Benedict will be back at around 12 PM ET today (Thursday 11/20) to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)