Despite the excitement surrounding the possible casting of British actor Benedict Cumberbatch in Star Wars: Episode VII, it appears it is just another rumor. According to his rep, the British actor is not cast to star in the J.J. Abrams sequel.
It kind of made sense. Benedict had recently exited Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak , no reason given for his departure. So logically, those in the know about movie schedules immediately jumped to the conclusion that he left to free himself for Star Wars.
Even though his rep did say his departure was not due to another project, people still were doing some wishful thinking, hoping that one of the most sought after actors would make the jump from Star Trek into Star Wars.
The other reason people were jumping to conclusions with the timing of all this was that Cumberbatch had stated that he is a big fan of the originals since he grew up with them. According to his rep, Cumberbatch is not cast in the sequel.
Director J.J. Abrams had joked about it with Benedict Cumberbatch and his rep says that’s all that was,
“There is no truth to the rumor Benedict has been cast in Star Wars,” a spokesperson for the 37-year-old actor told the News . “I think the rumors are circling because J.J. and Benedict have just recently had a wonderful time working together on Star Trek .”
So all we have so far is rumors about Star Wars, and not very good ones at that. The original cast members are said to be returning. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher are tentatively penciled in, although there is no confirmation of that news.
But what role would they play? After all they are all a bit “advanced in age” to fight the dark side of the force, even if the force is with them.
So without Benedict Cumberbatch cast in Star Wars: Episode VII, who will be the next rumored name to be attached to the project?
