Benedict Cumberbatch Becomes Wet Mr. Darcy For Charity
Benedict Cumberbatch provided a treat for period drama lovers when he decided to recreate the “lake scene,” in which Mr. Darcy — the hero of Pride and Prejudice — is seen all wet after taking a dip to cool off. However, the British actor, who is fast becoming a media darling, was not just showing off for no reason and had fans swooning for a good cause.
Those who follow British actors and Cumberebatch in particular couldn’t have been more excited to see their guy, mimicking the classic scene in Colin Firth’s version of the Jane Austen adaptation. In case you are not familiar with the well-known scene, the brooding Mr. Darcy returns to his estate of Pemberley, in the English countryside, in an effort to rid himself of torturing thoughts of the country Miss, Elizabeth Bennet, who has stolen his heart.
Frustrated, at the inability to do so, Darcy decides to cool off his burning thoughts by jumping into the lake. When Colin Firth emerged from the water, he created one of the most unforgettable pieces of television history and became one of the most recognized sex symbols in the world.
That was then. Now, Benedict Cumberbatch is banking on all the feelings that the legendary scene evokes in fans, British or of other kinds. The 38-year-old thespian wants you to join him as he poses shirtless. No, you’re not dreaming.
Benedict Cumberbatch becomes Mr.Darcy for #giveupclothes by @jasonbellphoto a partnership with @TKMaxx_UK and @CR_UK pic.twitter.com/czBkVEMem0
— DundasCommunications (@DundasComms) September 16, 2014
The stunt is a campaign — which includes other celebrity photoshoots — to raise awareness for T.K. Maxx’s Give Up Clothes for Good, according to the Independent. The organization is celebrating 10-years since it joined Give Up Clothes for Good.
Donations of clothes and housewares to T.K. Maxx stores, are sold in U.K. Cancer Research shops to raise funds, mostly for children’s cancer. According to the retailer’s website, in the past 10-years the partnership has raised more than $28 million, of which $21 million has been dedicated to research.
Benedict Cumberbatch is not the only high-profile celebrity participating in the campaign. Actors including Kate Winslet, Liam Neeson, Elijah Wood, and Cynthia Nixon have also been taken photos that will be used in Give up Clothes for Good. The photos will be displayed at La Galleria Pall Mall in London through September 20.
What do you think of Benedict Cumberbatch posing in the classic wet Mr. Darcy scene?
[Image via Pop Culture Nerd/BBC]
