Benedict Cumberbatch Reflects on Non-Binary Role in 'Zoolander 2'
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Synopsis
Benedict Cumberbatch expresses regret over his non-binary role in 'Zoolander 2', stating he wouldn't take it on today. He acknowledges the complexities surrounding the character and the backlash from LGBTQ activists, emphasizing the importance of representation in film.
Key Takeaways
- Benedict Cumberbatch regrets his role in 'Zoolander 2'
- The character All sparked controversy upon release
- Cumberbatch emphasizes the need for authentic representation
- Director Ben Stiller recalls the backlash as unexpected
- Upcoming projects include The Phoenician Scheme
Los Angeles, Feb 4 (NationPress) Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch has reflected on a film role he claims he “wouldn’t undertake” today.
In Ben Stiller’s 2016 comedy “Zoolander 2,” Cumberbatch portrayed All, a character characterized as a non-binary fashion model.
“It’s a challenging subject to discuss,” the British actor explained regarding the role during a video interview with Variety, as reported by people.com.
“I’ve had to express my apologies for that quite frequently,” he stated when questioned about his recollection of one of his lines in Zoolander 2.
The character's introduction in a 2015 trailer led to backlash from LGBTQ activists at the time, who criticized the film’s seemingly humorous take on the character's gender.
“I admire that group of individuals,” Cumberbatch remarked about director and co-star Stiller, alongside co-stars Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, and others, who came together after the success of the 2001 film Zoolander.
“It was an opportunity to be involved in something that was iconic the first time around, and I was a massive fan.”
He further noted that playing All “became complicated and was misinterpreted, causing upset among people. I respect that, so I likely wouldn’t take on that role again now.”
In a 2022 interview with Variety alongside Zoolander 2 co-star Penelope Cruz, the Oscar nominee acknowledged the “significant contention surrounding the role... in this current climate, my part would only be portrayed by a trans actor.”
Last April, Stiller remarked that the adverse reaction to the eagerly awaited Zoolander 2 was “unexpected” during an interview with People.
“What troubled me most about that was losing my sense of what was funny, the self-doubt... It truly affected me for a long time.”
Cumberbatch has a number of upcoming screen projects, including Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme and Jay Roach's The Roses.
His accolades include a BAFTA TV Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award, along with nominations for two Academy Awards and four Golden Globes.
