Benedict Cumberbatch was in Australia for… I’m not sure? Let’s see… oh, it was an Aussie Comic-Con and he was talking about Sherlock and Star Trek and such. He must have flown to Australia after spending more than a week in Malaysia for the Laureus Awards and then the Formula One stuff. It’s a Batch Holiday! And while we don’t have any formal photos or anything, from this one Twitter photo, I’m thinking that his beloved denim shirt has made a glorious comeback. He loves that shirt so much. It’s like his denim security blanket.
During his Aussie tour (you Aussie Cumberbitches are so lucky), Benedict did a short interview with an Adelaide publication called The Advertiser.
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch says he hopes he’s not overexposed himself with the amount of roles he’s taken on. Yes, he realises that sounds dirty.
“I’d hate to think anyone is sick of the sight of me, although I wouldn’t blame them. It’s just crazy. I’ve overexposed myself! Actually that sounds a bit dirty,” Cumberbatch tells Adelaide’s The Advertiser.
“I’m proud of every single project. I can genuinely say that it is varied enough, as a slate, to not fear too much overexposure. I just hope the public agree because they are seeing a lot of me.”
Cumberbatch is undoubtedly hot property – although perhaps fans of Sherlock would be quick to suggest more of that on our screens wouldn’t go amiss. But of course he’s a busy man. Star Trek, 12 Years A Slave and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug have all had Cumberbatch’s name on the cast list. But he seems to be having fun with it. The Oscars photobombing of U2 springs to mind. The actor admits, “It would be really churlish to complain about anything to be honest. I’m very fortunate to be in the position I’m in.”
On Sherlock, the actor says it’s always lovely to return to the role, especially alongside Martin Freeman as John Watson. Of preparing for each series Cumberbatch says, “Physically I do a little swimming and yoga. It sounds funny, but it helps.”
And on the future of the ever-popular BBC One detective drama he says, “I genuinely don’t know. That’s not me trying to be mysterious. None of us know if there will be a fourth, fifth or sixth series.”
He swims? He does yoga?! And now I want to see him “overexpose” himself over and over. Damn it, Batch. Damn your word choices!!
The Batch also did a Q&A session at the Aussie Comic-Con, and according to witnesses, he talked about how he had gone to see a psychiatrist after Sherlock became such a massive success. One witness says: “As an actor who delves into other character’s mindsets quite often, he felt it should be a routine thing and he happily assured us that the therapist said he was absolutely fine. He wanted to mention it because he believed that there should be more open discussion about mental health.” My Cumberbatch in therapy? Poor tender Cumby. I would give him some therapy. ALL NIGHT LONG.
PS… It seems that in a weird turn of events, both Martin Freeman and Cumberbatch are going to play Richard III in different arenas. Freeman will be playing Richard III on stage in London this year, while Cumby is apparently going to film a version for BBC2 which will be aired next year. So… he’ll do Richard III and then Hamlet on the stage next year? Sure. Cumby made a statement too: “I can’t wait to work with Dominic Cooke again to bring this complex, funny and dangerous character to life for the BBC and Neal Street Production’s peerless series of Shakespeare’s History plays.”
Photos courtesy of Getty, WENN.
Love him!
Yes, yes I do. Thanks for asking!
He wears A LOT of make up during events, doesn’t he?
@Eleanor, it would seem so. Especially when compared to how his complexion looked in the paddock at the F1 race in Malaysia. Not bad, but noticeably uneven compared to this.
At least Benedict seems to know the importance of blending his foundation make-up, as opposed to Hiddleston. No orangey Oompa Loompa for Benedict!
I dunno. The makeup job is really even. I don’t mind it.
@mena
Orange Hiddleston forehead is despicable 8D Doesn’t he see himself in press photos? He should definitely take a couple of lessons from Cumberbatch. Or his makeup artist should take a couple of lessons from Cumberbatch’s lol
I am SO excited for the Hollow Crown II. I think that Tricky Dick Cumby might make me hotter than last week’s Cumby on ice (which would be a killer musical, btw).
Also, because I have been suggesting this on CB for the past year, it is only reasonable to conclude the following: a) that Cumby reads us, and b) that he is finally willing to do my bidding.
*smooches at Cumby while adjusting bosoms*
Come to Fanty, darling. I promise to be gentle (at first)…
Leave no marks fanty dear. I fear he may bruise easily…
*whispers*
Squirrel, I think it’s time for us to enact our super secret plan.
*wink wink*
Oh no, I’ve forgotten the secret password to trigger Cumbergeddon…
Open sexame?
Abratch-cadabatch?
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!!
Like a peach Squirrel, like a beautiful, succulent peach.
*whispers again*
Squirrel!!!! You were supposed to have memorised it. Geesh, if you’d just stop cavorting with all the boys in the garden you might have taken the time to commit the whole plan to memory.
*digs through the shed for the über secret master plan*
Maybe Janeite has your copy???? And the dely means Fanty might catch wind of it.
*crosses arms across chest and raises one eyebrow skeptically*
So you didn’t memorize the plan either then, hence why you are looking in the shed for it??
I think Janeite has my copy and has moved to a different rock that has better light for her to read the blueprints. Windy is also noticeably absent lately and I think she might be onto the plan too.
*does squirrel hips dance to try to distract fanty until plans can be found and secured*
Rest assured ladies, I have everything we need. That new rock I am under is actually the secret entrance to the underground lair that I have constructed for all of us.
I know I am horribly biased but I’m genuinely looking forward to his Richard III.
I love him more for talking openly about how mental health is not a scary topic and talking about it/seeking help should be embraced.
*insert exposure joke here*
*waves at Cumby and/or Karon*
No no no Lindy, don’t *just* wave at Karon, pull Karon aside to tell her that you, me, and others are THRILLED that Benedict mentioned mental health. And in such a normal tone/conversation too.
Bravo Benedict!
I’d like to tell Karon that she has a fine set of knockers too. I cold barely focus on Cumby on the Oscars red carpet.
Maybe that’s why he did the photobomb, trying to detract from her marvelous boobs.
Lindy,
I’ve kinda looked at other pics when she’s attended events with Cumby and I think she knows she has a great rack. I’ve noticed she likes to show it off a lot.
@Fanty,
Fanty! You might need some ice cubes with that bosom you’re adjusting. Since you’re all hot.
While you’re blowing kisses at Cumby, I feel it is only fair to tell you that I have a yoga mat right here, with a little pocket for his whiskey flask, & that I am a very compassionate, experienced sort-of therapist.
And why isn’t that lazy Englishman back to work yet?
Englishmen go on holiday too….
He is working, shilling for Sherlock!!
I think they forgot to mention that Richard III is going to be a one-man show. Cumby is doing ALL the roles. You should see him in his Queen Anne frock.
HEY! Speaking of Dickies, missy, how was Sher? You failed to spill.
Hello!
Sorry. It was pretty good. It was the first time I’ve seen 1 Henry IV in full, and I’ve never fully realized what an omnishambles that play is. The dramaturge in me wanted to go back in time and slap Shakespeare.
Sher was good, in spite of the terrible Falstaff wig and beard. He was surprisingly vulnerable, physically centralizing Falstaff’s unhealthy obesity in a way that was both funny and a little unsettling. It made Hal’s opening monologue about how he plans to shake them all off appear really callous. I don’t think I ever fully understood what a mercenary little sh*t Hal is.
Beyond that, it was very RSC. Lots of jovial back-slapping and waheys! It was a good, solid production that picked up right where Tennant’s Richard (and his chin) left off. Doran has done better work, I think.
Did you see Wolf Hall yet?
A couple of weeks yet. But I am in London next weekend so might catch something. Am also booked in for Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies locally in a few weeks. I told you I’d expand my horizons this year!
I like a vulnerable Falstaff. But I also like the vitality to measure up to the venality – which is why I wasn’t so keen on SRB’s turn in THC.
Ooooh, I would love to know if he is secretly (or not-so-secretly) reading a gossip blog like Celebitchy just to read the comments on articles about him.
When we know, you’ll see my avatar suddenly change to me, in a push up bra, holding a bottle of twenty-five year old Dalmore.
Someone in his camp has probably told him how hilarious the women and men are here. Plus, we don’t bite….hard.
There can never be too much of the Batch…EVER…… !!!!!
He seems very stable and kind. Not to mention, handsome and humble. Benedict is the perfect man to to eat Sunday brunch with at the Country Club. Classy is sexy.
Totally agree. Even though he’s making all these appearances, it still feels like a drought to me. I can honestly take a set of pictures of him everyday.
More open discussion about mental health?
TAKE ME NOW, CUMBY.
Not that that’s usually a trigger for my panties to drop of their own accord, but the past few days means that I am more than up for a Cumby night of comforting.
Throw in a bit of Shakespeare for good measure, and that’s me done.
D’you think Hiddles will be a bit miffed now that Benedict’s signed up for two of Bill’s plays now? It’s not as if Hiddles ever had the monopoly on Shakespeare’s works, but first the velvet jackets, now Richard and Hamlet?
I’m predicting handbags at dawn.
I’m thinking duelling pistols at dawn 😉
Pistols?!?
Oh no!!!
*Swords!*
To do it properly, it needs to be swords. And shirtless. Definitely shirtless. Perhaps trouserless too…
*sits back to watch the glorious spectacle of a Puddles and DUC swordfight*
*comforts Bunny and nearly folds Cumby’s blankie*
Are we talking full-on GoT kind of swords, or fencing foils? The latter’s far more elegant, but doesn’t tend to deal as much damage. Although that’s probably a good thing. We wan’t them bloodied, but not maimed, ideally.
Ooooh, I’m waiting for the hand-to-hand combat! Long fingers of loveliness everywhere (and probably a bit of slapping and tickling).
Oh er!
Hmmm, maybe fencing foils but those old timey vaguely piratical shirts with the puffy sleeves must be worn with the neckline unlaced JUST SO… *sigh* (I was not kidding about the historical era thing…)
We all know it would look more like the Bridget Jones fight, with Cumby doing a broken hip grandad kick while threatening to “shin” Hiddles and lots of long fingered girl slapping.
If there’s a fountain, I’m there.
Can you believe that the Bridget Jones sequel is ten years old this year? I’ll say the same thing I said when I remembered Mean Girls was ten years old too; where the hell did that decade go?
This sounds like Highlander “There can be only one” LOL
Oh yes, I am picturing plenty of awkward “obviously never been in a real fight” type of moves from both of them, Lindy. The flailing of arms while standing a good 10 feet from the opponent, kicking the air, an embarrassing amount of swings-and-misses, and plaintive cries for help. Of course any onlooker is doubled over from laughter.
Oh LadyS… you’re hilarious…. definitely shirtless and trouserless… both of them… lol
Though with Hiddles trouserless will mean full view of the dong….
*dreaming* Oh yes…
And Cumby says he likes to dominate so regardless of their choice of weapons — it should be quite the show!
😀
(And the hand p@rn — oh what a delight!)
Come on, ladies. It HAS to be fencing. I’m thinking of the fencing scene in “Die Another Day” (probably the best scene in that god awful movie) between Pierce Brosnan and Toby Stephens. Oh… Toby Stephens… Can he be someone’s second in the duel? One can never have too many hot ginger Brits in a duel.
Are you ladies all crazy?? Swords or fists?? There could be real REAL bruises or blood skin! Someone could almost die!
The only way to settle this is with a dance off.
Have you seen Coriolanus? Hiddles looks awfully wonderful with a little (or a bit more) blood on him. I will be his nurse afterwards.
@Amelia
Benny at Oz Comic con mention that Hiddles was an acting inspiration. so maybe Hiddles encouraged him to go for it. Secondly, this is Hollow Crown series 2. Hiddles was in three /four of Hollow Crown Series 1.
I think Hiddles is biding his time, he has done Hollow Crown in 2012 and 2013 Coriolanus. In fact if anything, he may be glad with Benny tied up in Shakespeare x2 2015, might leave Hiddles room to move into the Indie drama roles that Benny normally gets. 😀
swings and roundabouts.
Oh, so it’s actually a second series of Hollow Crown? I think I’d better go and work on my reading comprehension!
This reminds me I still haven’t watched Henry V from The Hollow Crown, which should be called part 1 now? 😉 Watched and loved all other episodes though. I wonder what my reaction to it will be since as far as I understand, Hiddleston’s Henry V provoked mixed reactions.
Wishful thinking Penny. I am sure those indies will go to Hardy, Fassy and Cumby first more than anyone preceding Hiddles. No roles came to him yet and I don’t see them coming in future either.
Not to forget Hiddles might have another competition in Ben Whishaw. I see the roles going to Hardy,Fassy,Cumby,Whishaw and then Hiddles. Just my opinion
@Abby
“No roles came to him yet and I don’t see them coming in future either.”
Surely. Hogg, Jarmusch, Davies and Wheatley are all waiters at a local McDonald’s. And yes, I am aware that he landed a couple of roles that were originally to be played by other actors but that’s nothing new in the industry.
@abbey
Hardy is not into drama biopics about intelligent clever people, the kind that Benny said he wants a change from. Ben Whishaw, I don’t think can open a movie of a substantial budget, he is at the moment stuck in supporting roles. [except for Freddie M ] I think Hiddles is getting into prime position for the first time for a director to start taking a risk, hence Crimson Peak and High Rise. Both films are going to be very important make or break for Hiddles.
Fassy is a step ahead of both Benny and Hiddles and is in a different market place, really. He is not really the actor for posh brit roles.
The real competition is Eddy Redymane
About Hiddleston’s next project:
http://torrilla.tumblr.com/post/81988069368/the-establishing-shot-ben-wheatley-alex-zane-edith
Hardy is doing S2 of Peaky Blinders plus another major BBC historical drama over the next year.
Itching to see Peaky Blinders back on the gogglebox and Cillian Murphy’s brooding, mopish haircut. Hardy just makes it all the more exciting.
The soundtrack’s a lovely bonus.
Wait @Camil. According to this link they haven’t yet cast anybody else or know when they start filming. Also mentiones funding issues.
*whispers this might be another Capa all over again for poor Tommy.
Now Benny is straying on Hiddles territory, he better start grabbing Benny’s scripts when he goes around his house. Otherwise it’s ice cream and hot chocolate with Bunny all round
aw that’s cute
@ellen and Camil
Having just finished the book, i am surprised if they get funding at all especially if the script is page like for like. The book has nothing likeable in it at all, it is dark dystopia all the way. It is a risk, this and when film industry is struggling. i don’t know. I hope it goes ahead. ‘fingers crossed.’
@’p’enny, Ellen and Camil
Yeah, I’d have thought Wheatley’d come up with more precise information on cast and shooting by now =/ Crossing my fingers for this High Rise project to work because I loved Kill List and that trippy Field in England.
If Wheatley shows me naked Hiddles, I’ll give him the money xD
As for Hiddles and Shakespeare roles – I still dream about a Kenneth Branagh version of Much Ado About Nothing with Hiddles as Bennedick. Ken really put a flea in my ear with that – and as he said, Tom is great in comedy, I think, he just rarely gets to show this.
The other roles? Crimson Peak will be very important. I think OLLA was already a stepping stone (ok, my Jarmusch adoration is now showing – lol at the waiter at McDonald’s comment! :-D) and it would be great if he can build on that with Crimson Peak. I just really hope this turns out well because kinky horror is such a hit or miss genre, it’s scary.
And you cannnot begin to guess how hard I keep my fingers crossed that High Rise actually happens. What’s not to love about dark and dystopian? I need to finally win quite a few millions in the lottery, I promise, I would do such wonderful things with them (at the current cost for movies probably all would be gone after the first.. but shhh). Or just let me in on the production process, I would pester investors to death about funding, I would even dress up as girl scout and sell cookies. Sorry, biscuits. Or hobnobs.
yes Tom was in three out of four episodes and had a big bite of the cherry. Benedict being offered Richard was always going to be on the cards. The director has worked with him before and he will bring in a new audience. I imagine it will be the same as the original series with abbreviated scripts as its the same production team.
I saw Mark Rylance on stage playing Richard and he was amazing. Just waiting to see who gets Henry and Edward. Henry is a very weak character so the casting will hopefully be interesting. I would really like one of the up and young actors like Tom Hughes, David Dawson or John Heffernam to get it but suspect they will be looking at viewing figures when they cast.
Tom was first choice for High Rise and they have film four funding which is solid. Ben Wheatley is one of the best up and coming directors and his film last film won a London Critics Circle Film Awards and was nominated for a British Independent Film Award.
I am really excited about it
Funding is solid? That makes me happy.
@Isadora
“I think OLLA was already a stepping stone (ok, my Jarmusch adoration is now showing – lol at the waiter at McDonald’s comment! 😀 ) and it would be great if he can build on that with Crimson Peak.”
I too am a huge Jarmusch fan ^_^ As for OLLA – I loved it from beginning to end and will rewatch it time and again when it is released on DVD because it’s such an eye and ear treat and Tilda&Tom are ethereal there.
Also, Jarmusch’s waiters are a specialty of their own, aren’t they? 😉
Oh yes, can’t wait for the DVD. I already got the wonderful SQÜRL soundtrack on DoubleLP – and it’s spectacular: blood red vinyl with black labels, very beautiful packaging and there are photos from the set on the inner sleeves.
As to the waiters: I’m quite sure Elvis HAD an evil twin brother. Haha.. Steve Buscemi was perfect.
The soundtrack is amazing, I have listened to other Jarmusch/van Wissem collabs but OLLA is the best so far imo.
“As to the waiters: I’m quite sure Elvis HAD an evil twin brother. Haha.. Steve Buscemi was perfect.”
It’s a close call for me between him and Bill f*cking Murray lighting his cigarette with a kitchen lighter and gargling with oven cleaner. Unforgettable ;D
@Intro Outro, loved the waiters comment. I would add Benecio del Toro must also be part of that wait staff. OLLA doesn’t open here until the end of the month. It seems like an eternity away.
First we get a Fassy post, now a Cumby post. If Kaiser posts a Hiddles post we’ve got a Brit Dong hat trick.
Apologies. I’ve got this past weekend’s SNL “Dongs All Over the World” stuck in my head.
“9:02pm, find the dong. 9:03pm, destroy the dong!”
Hahahaha I want Hiddles too! *stomps her feet, throwing a tantrum*
There could be a hiddles post Sunday. Someone in Facebook says he’s going to the Olivier awards but I don’t know if this is true because he’s due to be on a new location on the 10th. If anyone saw the crimson peak press release it’s at an old expensive looking stately house. I don’t think if they spent all that money they’d let him go.
On the subject of Benny and virgin tommy sharing projects, why not? I bet they share women too. Lol
The end part of my last comment was a joke
Can I volunteer for this job? I think my husband would understand.
Oh, I also volunteer for the job, plus… I’m single… 🙂
Nighty,
Single, married….Let’s not argue the details. 🙂 You can have them after I am done……In a week or two……
Abby_J, we can do the following.. we get one each (you cumby, me hiddles, for instance… )… and in a week we trade them as cards… 😀
I like it. Sounds like a solid and workable plan. 😉 I’m good with either of them first.
Now, where do we apply? 🙂
How long takes a flight from London to Toronto (are they still shooting in Toronto next Monday?)? Depending on the shooting schedule and if he probably isn’t needed on the first day it could be doable, night flight and all (have to think about OLLA now haha). I mean it really depends on the set. I’ve been to a set where I was practically tearing my hair out because they wasted so much time (and money) with basically having everyone ready and just sitting around because there were clouds or someone from the tech crew needed additional time and stuff etc.
In the end rushing back and forth doesn’t sound like much fun for poor stressed Hiddles, but I would love to see him on Sunday. First, because it’s the Olivier Awards and he should be there, show the industry his pretty face and network the hell out of it. And second because I’ve gone a bit into withdrawal.
Do they? Benny seems to be into thin blondes and Hiddles seems into curvy brunettes.
*ehem* although being the gentlemen that they are, I’m sure manners precede type preference.
god I hope he wears velvet
please and can he magic up a few of his curls as well
Does anybody know what his hair looks like in Crimson Peak? The Jag ad made me wonder because he clearly had blackish hair in that one but not in Coriolanus. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I think he should stop the dye job for a while.
I also like ginger haired Cumberbatch better at the moment…
Yes, I much prefer ginger haired Cumberbatch as well!!!
@Isadora
He’s wearing a wig in Crimson Peak, it’s Victorian times and his hair right now is too short. The pics of Jessica Chastain’s birthday looked he was growing it out again, it was longer and messier at the sides. It was still brownish though.
the dying, even if its a temp job can’t be doing his hair any favours. Bring back the blonde curls
whereas Benny is totally embracing the dark hair, its not ginger!! its a deep chestnut :-p and I am so glad.
I’m really curious what his hair will look like. No one even knew what his OLLA hair looked like until the first official still was released. So many secrets! I might actually want to be surprised.
As for their casual look. HiddlyBatch both need to grow out their curls. I think Crumbly looks absolutely presh with some sideburns and a healthy dollop of curls mopping his finely boned visage.
@’p’enny: Oh, the suspense (regarding Crimson Peak)… And I’ve totally forgotten the Chastain birthday pics where his hair was lighter. So probably the dark look was just for the Jag commercial.
And although I was never particular fan of curls I might have changed my mind after seeing him as Oakley lol..
Ben’s hair is now deep chestnut, but I was speaking of his hair during Frankenstein (?) where he had – in my book – ginger hair and sideburns. I did like him best that way, but then I’m predisposed because always on the hunt for fellow gingers hehe..
Historical era Cumberbatch is the best Cumberbatch 😀
Indeed my lady, so very true.
I want him to play Oscar Wilde in a biopic. Very much.
Have you seen the Stephen Fry one with Jude Law? It’s quite good.
Never seen it, only heard about it. I need to check it out, thanks for reminding me! 🙂
*ring ring…click*
Hello. You have reached the phone of Secret Squirrel. I can’t take your call right now as I am galloping all over the Australian countryside trying to find Cumby’s overexposed dirtiness. Please leave a message after the beep if you know where I should be looking.
*beep*
*whispers*
Clever idea to distract them from what we’re really doing!
hihi secret squirrel, yes, am finally back on CB after many long hard days of busy work. Iust a suggestion….instead of galloping (and getting yourself dirty whilst looking for Cumby’s dirtiness), why not take a Jag with Tommy and Mark Strong . Not sure who you’ll prefer to drive whilst the other sit in the back seat with you. And pls, take me with you too on your expedition! I’m afraid I missed Cumby while he was nearer my part of the world, in Malaysia…and now am sobbing (yes I admit it)…sobbing to have him back, so we can continue to inhale the same air and talk about velvet clothing, songs and Shakespeare too.
Quite a dilemma Windy. I’m definitely thinking me driving the JAG, Mark in the passenger seat oozing out directions in THAT voice, Tom and Ben in the back seat fighting over the bag of sweets and who will get to check on Sean in the febreezed boot when we stop for ice cream. You of course can come along and sit between the boys in the back (no touching them though, it just makes them want to play “Your It, No Returnsies” for HOURS). Lady S is lucky she is a flower and can just sit in a pot on anyone’s lap as she sees fit. My beloved Janeite will wait at the dance hall for the Tango of tantalization!
I’ll be sure to let Ben know of your need to have him head your way for a proper visit should I happen to bump into him whilst he is visiting Australia. I expect he will know who I am, given I look exactly like my Gravatar and we KNOW all the smart celebs come here for a goosey!!
Ah Squirelly, if that tango ever did actually happen I fear it would be the death of me. Although the idea of Tommy and Benny bickering over the bag of sweets (I imagine one accusing the other of stealing all the good ones) is pretty damn amusing.
Lol
I am up for a Jag ride too, secret squirrel….
Come on along! The more the merrier (and the more likely I’ll have to make room by sitting on some tall lean Brit’s lap in the back seat).
sigh
SIGH
SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH…
Dammit people. WHY do I love the British accent so much?? Its like my kryptonite…
Ooh now that Hiddles forever is coming along for the ride, I’ll have to get onto one of the boy’s laps to make space! Onto Cumby’s lap I go *hopity hop*
@Secret Squirrel
“Dammit people. WHY do I love the British accent so much?? Its like my kryptonite… ”
You’re not alone 😉 I just stop and absorb it whenever I hear it.
Yes, British accent and tailored suits. I can’t resist more often than I can.
I can’t believe you’re not there occupying the whole comic con area with a 2000 strong squirrel power in order to kidnap him and never let him go.
Instead you’re galloping across the countryside like you’re re-enacting War Horse scenes!!
I was rather hoping for a new pic of him wearing jorts. No reason in particular.
We’re all waiting for him to break out the jorts, pixie-stix. I can barely contain myself.
But jorts are springwear. Its Autumn in Australia, so you will have to wait until he crosses the equator again, then he can rush into the plane loo with his “jorts bag” for a quick change.
The jorts would have been perfect for the hot humidity in Malaysia. But some of the stuff he wore there, save for the bermudas, were rather inappropriate given the weather. I felt myself perspiring just seeing him in polo shirts and jeans, and mind you, the perspiration was from how *hot* (pun there) he looked! i am dressed in shorts and tshirts these days given that i live near malaysia and am experiencing the same climate….
We will see him in all his jortsy glory during filming of Z
I’m looking forward to Benny playing Richard. He might have to tone down the accent for a more northern one but I think it would suit him. It’s something different
Yes, I’m really looking forward to Richard III., I think it’s a great play for him. I actually like it much better than him in Hamlet, I have to admit…
I actually am quite intrigued to see Martin Freeman play Richard 111 at Trafalgar Studios-it is a reasonably intimate space and seeming him play against type will be interesting. He and Ben can exchange notes.
The best scenes are between him and the queen and if the chemistry is there they can be really electric. Plus I love the asides to the audience.
Cumberbatch has only been overexposed on this site. I think he’s fine every where else. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in Richard III either.
Agree
Right now I’m living for that photo of him in the glasses and brown sportcoat. Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
I read some accounts of the Australian comic-con online and I’m kind of shocked at the number of people who attended multiple photo-ops, autograph sessions, and meet & greets (all priced separately). I am not sure I love any celebrity enough to spend several hundred dollars (at least) to meet them. Even if, by all accounts, he was patient and gracious and cheerful at all the events.
PS: blah blah otter, blah blah alien, blah blah lizard, blah blah Hiddleston. Now we can move on to other topics.
The whole concept of somebody paying you for you to write your name on a piece of paper/have your photo taken etc is strange. Very bizarre…
On a totally unrelated matter, I’m off to my nearest cash machine to drain my accounts for no apparent reason *whistles innocently*
Rofl!
you make me ROFL too!
LOL! Really happy to be back on CB reading all your posts and reuniting with old friends 😀
I don’t get the whole autograph and photo thing either. Something about it just seems very awkward to me. But to each, his/her own.
I can see your point. I guess some of these fans feel meeting him is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so why not go all out?
True. I guess I’m looking at it from the perspective of an old fart who has a mortgage and car payment and college savings accounts for my kids that have to be prioritized above the opportunity to find out what Benedict smells like. (lovely, according to all reports.)
I’m all for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. But the thing about this signing/photo stuff is that you probably get 5 seconds total (after you’ve gone deaf from the screaming and sport bruises on your body for the next few weeks – and not from some fun activity *cough*). It’s not like you actually MEET this person or have a conversation. I’m not even talking about meaningful conversations. So where is really the fun in that? Unless you have an olfactory fetish and that’s all that counts.
It’s maybe something different with stuff like Zach Levi’s NerdHQ, where you are actually part of a rather well behaved audience and able to ask interesting questions. If you are able to attend something like this (but not for hundreds of dollars, mind you), why not. But the rest is a bit beyond me too… *admits to old fartism*
@Mayhem14
lol… NOW the post on Cumby is finally complete.. otter, alien, lizzard, Hidlleston!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVrxoLssjE0
Mayhem14 , you are totally right of course. I do think that people are actually paying for the opportunity to see him up close, talk to him, touch him/stand nearby and have proof of almost touching him while inhaling his scent to show off to all their friends, enemies, past and future acquaintances and unknown people across the world.
The autograph thing is just an excuse instead of saying “hey, can I just stare at you for a few seconds and you could maybe say a few words to me and then I can giggle, drool, hug you and go off die in a corner”. It sounds better if you say “hey, can I have your autograph” 😀
Also later on you can stare at the pic/piece of paper he’s touched and fangirl like you’re 12. And never wash your hands of course.
I don’t get the autograph thing at all either. The only celebrity autograph I have, I had to be talked into getting it by the celebrity himself. He thought I was just too shy to ask. I didn’t know how to politely say I didn’t want it.
Stupid question – who gets the money made at these things?
@Pru
Everyone? LOL. I mean, the actor only gets whatever the appearance fee is.
The rest goes to cover the cost of the con and whatever’s leftover is profit to whoever’s running it. Cost of a con includes but isn’t limited to: permits, space rental, staff, photo paper/photographers/etc., marketing, press, security, licenses, talent fees and liability insurance. The bigger the con, the higher the price tag.
Generally speaking, reasonable con prices are determined by comparing prices at other cons the same size, which OzCon does fall in line with. They got a 3 hour Q&A with him and I presume the other actors who were there, which is more than some cons do.
The only exception is the SDCC, but that’s because the studio is footing the bill for the talent and the space. Larger spaces at the SDCC cost literally a million+ now.
Thanks for the info, Katie!
So, Benedict would make an appearance fee, and the rest would go to whoever is running AussieComicCom. Who would that be? The studio? There is obviously good money generated at these ‘cons’, but I have just never known whose making most of it.
Actors get paid a lot of money for what is essentially only a weekend slot-but yea i have only ever got an autograph because it was included in the price or if someone asks me to get them one. If I go which is seldom I go for the
panels.
@ pru,
Not a problem! I’ve done work for cons in the marketing segment.
This particular con is held by an events company, DCA, who partner with other con companies, including Reed Exhibitions (they run the NYCC) to host it. So here, you’ve got DCA, the other con partners and some studio sponsors all sharing the profits.
Would anybody say that Benny has a quirky image?
This is for the game some of us are playing.
Seems to me he’s actively avoiding to play Sherlock!!
At this rate we won’t get the new season until 2017.
I mean 2 Shakespeare roles, god knows how many random pop appearances in every other film planned in the next 2 years, and oh wait, I almost forgot book readings and other voice acting gigs.
Why do you hate your devoted homeless network, whyyyy.
Ah, he better make it up with constant world-wide appearances with fans.
I am really looking forward to him playing Richard III in all honesty, much more than Hamlet.
I do like a man with a Yorkshire accent. I will like it even better when Benny gives us his best Yorkshire accent for Richard iii. Richard iii spent a lot of his childhood in the West Country so he would have of had a weird Yorshire/ West Country tone to his voice. Either way I’m certain Benny can pull it off. 🙂
+1 to Richard III over Hamlet!
probably for the best because season 3 was horrendous
Well I liked it 😛
But technically we’ve waited 2 years for season 3 as well, so waiting that long isn’t exactly a good deal either, if you view it like that. Ha!
No, it was just terrible. Moffat’s flaws are starting to show. The actors are still top notch though.
After reading some of the fan reactions from the Australia Convention (and the other one from a few months ago)…I can’t help but wonder if he brought up the mental health issue to encourage some of the more unhealthily obsessive fans to seek help? I am not trying to be unkind here, but honestly when you read about people crying to him in autograph lines about how he helped them make it through tough times etc. it is concerning, and I imagine that might feel like a lot of pressure on a mere mortal…especially when repeated over and over! Don’t get me wrong, I think it is admirable he has sought counselling himself and that he is honest about, it’s important! I just think he may have purposely brought it up with that audience specifically (not that every person who goes to conventions needs help, I am not inferring that either). Thoughts?
Well if he is, he’s doing a lot more than others who encourage “cutting for Bieber”
Hm.. It may be very smart to do so. On the other hand it’s probably too subtle for the unhealthily obsessed fans.
Mmmm, subtle. Possible. Not totally convinced, though.
I’m reading aaaaaall the accounts of the meetings and he’s been SO. INCREDIBLY. GRACIOUS. I couldn’t bear a 1000th of that.
He truly is kind and gracious to everyone from all accounts…which is what makes me wonder if he isn’t genuinely concerned about the well-being of some of the fans. He seems very empathetic.
I think you’re reading way too much into it.
Crying over a celebrity while waiting to get his autograph and then fainting isn’t exactly something new (Elvis, the Beatles, James Dean, etc) or that concerning. So they have a crush and get obsessive. Big deal. They’ll forget him in a couple of years and move on to someone/something else.
The kind of stress level and anxiety he probably feels, on the other hand, is something to potentially be worried about. Look how Heath Ledger ended up. Most celebs can’t deal with these surreal expectations, distrust, people taking advantage of you, etc. I’d say he’s got bigger issues on his mind that those harmless people with a crush.
Yes, you’ve got a point. And his fans are really sane compared to Bieber’s apparently. (I never heard of “cutting for Bieber” before, but I just googled it. Oh wow..)
@Kelly: True, the celebrity mania is nothing new. And I probably am reading too much into it. But I think we are kind of making the same point, that the fan reaction may be overwhelming for him and I just wondered if he was trying to defer it using “mental health” as a strategy. I agree with you, I could not live my life with that much attention and stay sane!
@Isadora The funding was in place pre Tom and film four would not pull out unless there were real issues. They funded Wheatley’s previous film A Fieldd in England which was mesmerising. I knew little about it apart from people raving over it and went thinking it was a historical drama. Well it starts out like that and then it just gets increasingly bizarre. Something happens in a tent which you do not see and your imagination just runs wild. i came out both shell shocked and amazed at how brilliant it was. If High Rise is half as good as that I will be a happy bunny.
Film4 also funded Kill List and Archipelago if I am not mistaken.
Ok, thanks for the info! Sound great! I’m not sure, but wasn’t A Field in England nominated for a Jameson Empire Award this year?
I wonder what the “little merry dance of regional financing at the moment” Wheatley mentioned in the interview is then.. And I hope they start soon with announcing other cast members, filming dates etc. because I’m not quite sure what TH will do for the rest of the year otherwise. I always thought it would be Crimson Peak now and High Rise in summer, but it doesn’t sound as if Wheatly will start shooting extremely soon. Hm..
One of the earlier interviews stated that High Rise would start in June and go through the summer. It could still be that way.
hm I wonder if that meant like where they will film, if they get donations? I remember when OLLA was filming in the states, they got extra funding from a nearby city. It was around $200k. I need to find the article.
Edit: here it is http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/The-Film-Office/Press-Releases/Detail.aspx?id=9298
Yes, OLLA’s interior scenes were also filmed in Cologne because Germany funded large parts of the movie. So you are probably right.
Unfortunately my hometown won’t do anything like that, they even turned down Woody Allen (pre-scandal), who wanted money to film here, so no Hiddleston filming here, damn…
Ben Wheatley says negotiations with regional funders, sounds like script v funding. I thought this hinted at Film4 being funny-sods to me. Film4 though wont be funding all of this film, they’ll just kick start it. And it is supposedly a way bigger budget that Field and Kill List, it is Ben’s first studio based film. I think as long as Jeremy Thomas is in driving seat, there is still hope. He got funding for OLLA when no one would back it.
It wouldn’t hurt Ben Wheatley featured in last Sunday Times as one of the new directors to make it big.
Is homely the New Hot? He is not attractive.
For me personally he isn’t really attractive either, but he really is a good and interesting actor. And I think that’s what fascinates people about him in the end.
Plus we are – via the media – exposed to conventionally beautiful people all the time, it can get a bit boring with time. I think it’s a bit like in the fashion industry: we had all these incredibly beautiful supermodels in the 90s but now a lot of edgier models with more exotic features are booked, that might look strange to a lot of people – like Alana Zimmer, Lindsay Wixon or Masha Tyelna. So it’s probably the “New Hot”, yes.
Very well said, Isadora!
Actually brainy’s the new sexy.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Better yet, handsome is as handsome does.
How is he overexposed? I always see him fully clothed. Lies!