Benedict Cumberbatch On ‘Star Trek’: ‘I Loved Playing A Villain’
It should come as no surprise, Benedict Cumberbatch says he loves playing a villain, most actors do.
Talking about his role as Khan in Star Trek: Into Darkness, the thespian says, it was fun too play him, but adds,
“Although, it was important for me to understand him. He’s sociopathic and does terrible things, but is he a terrorist? Or is he a freedom fighter? Is he justified for the havoc that he wreaks? Is he fighting for a cause? He’s incredibly ambiguous. His intentions are morally based. I loved playing those ambiguities.”
Surprisingly enough, Cumberbatch admits he has never been a Trekkie, but more of a Star Wars fan. He says he should ask director J.J. Abrams for a role in the new installment Star Wars: Episode VII.
Benedict Cumberbatch admits he wouldn’t say no to an offer from Abrams, but his rep recently debunked the rumors that he had been cast in the film.
The rumors were fueled when Cumberbatch departed Guillermo del Toro’sCrimson Peak unexpectedly and with no explanation. It was only said that no project was attached to his departure.
Benedict had nothing but good things to say about Abrams, that’s another thing that got people talking,
“He is a gifted director with so much energy,” Cumberbatch said. “The energy is contagious. He has the fervor of a ten-year-old child, but a brilliant mind.”
The actor added that Abrams gives an actor confidence and is always open to answer questions from actors and crews. “You can’t ask for more.” Cumberbatch adds.
Benedict Cumberbatch in Star Trek: Into Darkness (Paramount Pictures)
Taking on the baddie wasn’t easy by any means, he had to put on some weight with a 4,000 calorie ditet as well as getting buff to play the fight scenes.
“It was a lot of fun. Who wouldn’t be happy taking out five people with their bare knuckles, being dragged along the floor at 16 miles an hour and jumping through garbage trucks and plate glass windows? It was a lot of fun. I went up four suit sizes.”
This year has been a good one for Benedict Cumberbatch, with an amazing seven films in which he stars. He will be seen in 12 Years A Slave, The Fifth Estate, and The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug in which he does the voice over for Samug, the Dragon.
