Benedict Cumberbatch called Tom Hiddleston ‘that old bore’ in an interview

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Here are some photos of Benedict Cumberbatch at last night’s NYC premiere of The Penguins of Madagascar. I don’t have much to say except I always like Bendy more when he’s posing next to a peng-ling, as he says it. He looks nice in these pics!

But… these days, I’m liking Tom Hiddleston a lot more than Benedict Cumberbatch. I never thought I’d say that. I still like Bendy – truly! – but he has fallen a bit in my estimation, probably because his Oscar campaign is too much. He’s like the Annie Hathaway of posh British boys. Meanwhile, Tom Hiddleston has gone dark. He’s barely tweeted anything, he’s been working on interesting projects and he hasn’t been attending the opening of an envelope, you know? But then again, Tommy has nothing to promote and nothing to campaign for. I’m just saying… absence makes the heart grow fonder.

So, Benedict did a radio interview on BBC Radio 5 with his friend Simon Mayo late last week. Most of the discussion was about The Imitation Game, obviously, but then Mayo asked Bendy about Tom Hiddleston. The reaction was interesting/funny. Here’s the audio – the whole thing is worth listening to (Cumberdulcet), and the Hiddleston part is around the 13-minute mark.

Tom Hiddleston is a “bore” for trying to compete with him over his voice-work says Benedict Cumberbatch. In an interview with Radio 5 Live presenter Simon Mayo this morning, Cumberbatch responded with mock-scorn when Mayo mentioned Hiddleston’s impression of Shere Khan – the man-eating tiger from Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book – when he appeared on his show. As any Cumberbatch fan will tell you, the Sherlock star is voicing Shere Khan in Andy Serkis’ Jungle Book remake.

“That old bore,” said Cumberbatch when Hiddleston’s name came up. On the subject of his Shere Khan voice, Cumberbatch joked: “Oh for Christ’s sake, can’t he just leave off my patch for one split second?”

Asked if his version is better than Hiddleston’s, the star replied: “Clearly. I got the role. What more proof is there than that?”

Adopting a more serious demeanour, he added: “Look I don’t like competing with Tom. He is too much of a dear friend. There are loads of friends, including him…we will have crossovers with classical roles and reprisals.”

[From Radio Times]

Before the Dragonflies get into a tizzy, clearly Benedict was joking! He wasn’t really saying Tommy is an OLD BORE. He wasn’t saying that Tommy follows him around and tries to involve himself with everything Cumberbatch. OR WAS HE?! #DragonflyMasterBaiter

I do think Benedict has a better voice. But Tommy is taller and has a nicer smile. So, it’s a toss up!

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Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet and Getty.

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335 Responses to “Benedict Cumberbatch called Tom Hiddleston ‘that old bore’ in an interview”

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  1. Lindy79 says:

    #DragonflyMasterBaiter
    Please someone tell me they also snorted when they read this??
    Cumbers definitely has the better voice, although they both can turn is on like no ones business when required.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5DfURvVP1E
    1.50 onwards.
    I just…I dunno, maybe this is just how he is but the face and eyes just don’t match what he’s saying, especially about how it’s the most amazing thing…doesn’t look like it mate!

    LOL @ Karon’s face
    “I’m so f*cking over this”

    • Aiofe says:

      Wait what’s he talking about?

      • mimif says:

        We all win with this one.

      • Lindy79 says:

        He’s talking about his fiance, the love of his life, the woman he will spend his life with. Although the delivery could be confused with him answering a question on what brand of toilet paper he uses.

      • mimif says:

        When does LilacFlowers show up with party favors?

      • Lilacflowers says:

        @mimif, sorry, we’re a bit out of sorts with excitement here this morning as both my secret husband Tom and our security director Mark Strong have been nominated for Best Actor for the Evening Standard Theatre awards. They’re both happy for each other and Colin is whipping up pumpkin waffles with apple compote and lots of warm maple syrup for breakfast. Bacon too! Assorted coffees and tea are on the sideboard, along with your absinthe.

      • alice says:

        Insulted Wanda, insulted Olivia, insulted Keira. A threefer.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        OMG, he totally dissed Julia Roberts!

      • icerose says:

        He does not even look the interviewers or the camera in the face when he is talking about the most incredible girl he has ever met, And why if she is so incredible did he not get together with her earlier unless of course she was waiting until he was famous enough

      • icerose says:

        @Lilaflowers Having seen both performances it is a close call. Can we strike a deal who ever wins get to celebrate with you and I will do my best to console the loser for the rest of the evening.

      • **sighs** says:

        Icerose- you’re right, he couldn’t look the interviewer in the face when he threw out that line. Also couldn’t do it when he threw out that I’ve only got one favorite line as well. It was off to the side.

        I believe that’s what spies and card players call a “tell”.

    • alice says:

      He apparently hasn’t met as many women as I thought he had.

    • Ingrid says:

      Copied from last thread:

      Yes, talk about robotic. I think even Siri would do better job with the delivery

      “to announce my marriage to the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. So, I’m a lucky man”

      Dear god, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. As it seems, Ben did as well.

      • Aiofe says:

        I’m trying to think of a scenario where he’s sincere in saying those words but for some reason isn’t enthusiastic about talking about it publicly.
        Is this the interview where he also mentioned his parents? How did he sound and look then?

      • Lindy79 says:

        I think if you look at any interview where he talks about something he enjoys, you see a lot more animation and something other than #jawseyes

        He looked happier talking about his dad’s tea.

      • Lu says:

        Aiofe, I think this is actually the case. I read him as sincere, diffident, and wishing that he didn’t have to talk about it, though more accepting now that he kind of has to. Of course, it’s hard for me to imagine that he isn’t going to regret this eventually, because how well can he really know her, but right now he probably does feel the way he says.

      • Sooth says:

        But he didn’t HAVE to talk about it. He’s never had to talk about it. And he certainly wouldn’t be confronted with a barrage of questions publicly if he hadn’t announced it two days before a press tour and a week before his film’s released.

        Also, he could just say, “yes, we’re happy” This unnatural and forced ‘only one favourite’ and ‘most incredible woman I’ve met’ is ludicrous and unnecessary.

        And whether you’re comfortable talking about something or not, it shows in your eyes, you glow if you really are consumed with feeling.

      • Lindy79 says:

        I actually don’t give a crap about SH or the engagement. I’m a fan of his work and it’s his behaviour that is what I comment on.
        I just can’t with the idea that he felt he wouldn’t have to talk about it, or look uncomfortable when asked. Is he really that stupid?
        It was done out of tradition, fine, but he’s an actor about to start a massive Oscar press tour in the US under Harvey Weinstein and he did a Times ad 2 days before that all kicked off.
        The fact that it’s even taken him this long to “accept” the idea makes me want to slap him.

      • aly says:

        Lindy: ITA with you.

      • alice says:

        I sometimes wonder whether Olivia thinks to herself ” What happened to the boy/man I loved?”

      • Lu says:

        Well, you might want to “slap” him, but it’s his personality and his character, and we’re all different; we can’t always serve up behavior to an exact order. I’ve been on board with various conspiracy theories about his engagement, but the explanation that is striking me as true these days is that he’s unstable this year (not guessing as to why or how), got himself engaged, and decided he really didn’t want to talk about it in public. He’s developed a resentment that people keep trying to bring it up, no matter how ridiculous it seems to the public for a famous person to take that attitude, and it’s only recently that he’s calmed down a bit and got on board with throwing out some crumbs to the public. As I say, people might not respect him for that, but I think that’s just the way it is.

      • MissMary says:

        @Alice: IDK…some days, I bet she looks at youtube or a magazine and goes “Yes. Yes, I made the right decision. Got out in time on that one.”

      • M.A.F. says:

        @alice- pretty sure Olivia doesn’t much care. She has her own life.

        And I agree with what Lindy wrote. He didn’t have to do it but he did and he announced it right before all the PR for his films so he has no one to blame but himself.

      • Lindy79 says:

        “so…..imaveryluckyman”
        *trails off*

        @Lu. MY reason for wanting to slap him is, that he has only himself to blame for it being brought up despite him not wanting to talk about it. If they hadn’t done the Times ad, would we know? No.

        He’s given 3 reasons for doing Times.

        It’s tradition. Fair enough. He’s posh.
        A way to tell friends and family. OK, little odd to most of us as it sounded like it was their way of telling everyone but yeah people you’re not close friends with, you wanted it out there.
        So no shots of the ring would be seen on Instagram/Twitter before news was out. This is the most telling, it shows he’s VERY aware people take pictures and share them but she isn’t papped unless she is with him, which she hasn’t been in 2 weeks so what was the urgency of announcing it the day after and 2 days before his press tour. I had thought it meant she would be joining him, so time will tell.

      • moodgirl says:

        @lindy79 – He has given FOUR explanations as to why he put his announcement in the paper; your three plus “he wanted the world to know.” He adds a new one with each interview. With an engagement I would remember how and why I did what I did.

        After I watched the early shows I posted my final feelings but y’all had already moved to the new thread. Thanks buds. Anyhow, if you care, here it is:

        This is some hankety bs right here. I know I let my guard down yesterday and felt sorry for B, but this crap is pure PR. It can be no other way. He put his engagement announcement in the paper to bring attention to his efforts in the award season.
        Period.

        He is so in love with his fiance but HE NEVER MENTIONS HER NAME. Never talks about how they met, he could say they are old friends and end it. But no, NOTHING.

        This morning Michael asked him if he proposed in a traditional way, like the announcement was traditional. NOTHING. HE SKIPPED RIGHT PAST THE QUESTION. He uses decriptive words but no emotion leaves his mouth or shows on his face. He hasn’t spoken about how his family and friends feel. Not his mom or dad. He never talks about where she is or when she will appear to support him. Example – “She is working but we’ll be in the states for blank.” Normal conversation. He can’t hold a 10 conversation about his woman?

        There is not a hint of excitement or joy in voice. He just looks like he is trying to be coy. So, I know that most of you will disagree with me but I stand by my original conclusion. Strategically BC is one of the best. He knew what would happen when he put that announcement in the paper two days before coming to LA. Now he wants to appear to be above it all. I agree that he looks to be under tremendous pressure but he knew what he was doing. This engagement is a well orchestrated ploy to get his face out there for an Oscar run. Nothing more.

      • MountainRunner says:

        Lindy, you’re on a roll… keep ’em coming. I’m still on board that the romance/engagement is real, but timing and announced solely for PR. Mixing business with something as volatile as a romance is asking for trouble. Her ties to HW doesn’t sit well with me either tho’ I’m not on board the conspiracy train quite yet.

      • wahine992 says:

        @MountainRunner – ITA. I think the relationship is real, but the timing of the announcement was HIGHLY suspect. Maybe 5% “for friends and family” and 95% for PR. I also think that any red carpet appearance together will be timed for maximum media and PR attention. Who knows when that will be. I’m not disappointed that he’s gotten engaged, though I don’t care for her at all. I AM disappointed with his behavior and some of his comments.

      • MountainRunner says:

        @wahine, I have no prob with him being engaged and actually hoped it would settle the cumhards down a bit, but God this whole thing has turned into a shitshow. I clicked on his posts because I have enjoyed his work as Sherlock and Khan and thought he gave interesting and entertaining interviews. Now, I find him so insufferably egotistical and childish that his personality is overshadowing his talent. He is a walking mass of contradictions. I don’t know if his true personality has finally broken through his carefully crafted public persona or if he’s changed but I have a feeling that we may only see glimpses of the “old” Ben from now on.

      • wahine992 says:

        @MountainRunner – we’re on the same page. I’m going to continue to enjoy his work (well, most of it. Some of it isn’t my cup of tea) and start paying little or no attention to his interviews, etc. Which it sounds like is all he wants from his fans anyway. The only support he needs is from WILWIPT, right? *rolls eyes* I am very curious about how he’ll feel, however, when he no longer has screaming hordes of fans at his events or record-breaking sell-outs of his theatre performances, after Hamlet. I would imagine his ego has loooooved all that attention. Hmmmm…… we shall see.

    • MissMary says:

      I get the feeling Karon went back to the hotel and hit the minibar, lol. She looks so done.

      • **sighs** says:

        I think we should share our absinthe with Karon. She probably needs a good breakfast and a lovely man for the evening. Can we work on this, ladies?

      • MissMary says:

        …is Malkovitch free?

      • Green Girl says:

        If I were in Karon’s shoes, I’d probably be thinking like this: “Help him with his Oscar campaign,” they said. “It’ll be a lot of fun and parties,” they said.

        I think he’s exhausted, and I am sure his aides are, too! But they still have, what, three months to go?

        And hey, is Emily still his PA?

      • MissMary says:

        She was as recently as LFF–where he made the comment to a party goer that his PA/niece’s bf was tired of her being mistaken for his (BC’s) gf since she was always with him at events and is a young, pretty blonde.

        Hmmmmm.

    • Green Eyes says:

      Can I ask something? Why is Karon in so many shots of BC?? Why in God’s name is a PR person shown constantly with their celebrity client?? It makes no sense. Do we know other celebrities’ PR handler – aside from TH’s PR hander, whose name I don’t remember? Is this a British thing? Do British celebrities need nannies to hold their hands as they walk the red carpet and/or give interviews?

      I just don’t get it.

      • MissMary says:

        IDK but it does seem a bit..weird. I’m sure other actors/celebs have their PR handy at events but I don’t ‘see them’ like we see Karon with BC. They either blend in better or maybe I just mistake them for other actors or something…

      • j says:

        depends on the celeb. just because you dont see them, doesn’t mean theyre not there.

        in the case of BC though Karon is his +1 a lot. she doesnt interfere, though, during tiff i remember a reporter commenting she was basically off reading and eating while he was interviewing

      • Green Eyes says:

        Oh, I know that PR people attend their clients’ functions. What I meant is why is she in the shot? Shouldn’t the handlers be invisible?

      • icerose says:

        Someone who was at the Oscars red carpet tweeted she was very pushy on his behalf.

      • j says:

        um icerose Karon is very pushy in general, i like her no nonsense attitude. she has no problem pushing him either LOL

      • gg says:

        Didn’t Eddie Redmayne get engaged to his PR person?

      • icerose says:

        @j the guy who tweeted gave the impression it was a bit to aggressive for the occasion other wise he would not have tweeted.

      • **sighs** says:

        Nah. Redmayne’s girl is financial pr. That’s something completely different.

    • tasha_nat says:

      LOL what was that video? Oh Benedict, can you please just say her name. It’s not that hard, love. Unless of course the woman you’re referring to and the woman you’re engaged to are not the same person. Pfft. With the same lines over and over about how traditional it is and how it would have been the same had he not been famous…he really doesn’t want to talk about it, does he? Or at least give more info…

      • zazie says:

        he only can say it in plural: “so we both found Sophies”, it´s like a collective term. Or maybe he sometimes forgets what she´s called, he doesn´t seem to see her very often.

      • Lucifer says:

        he did not say that. we both found sophie comment was by m.goode

    • OhHey says:

      Why is he being such a douchebag about saying her name? Does he hope to exchange her for someone else and just doesn’t want to pin himself down?? BIZARRE!

    • Etheldreda says:

      I also found it striking how awkward he was. He was avoiding eye contact like nobody’s business. Sure, I know not everyone is comfortable talking about their personal life, but this guy is a pro. He always seems to love the attention and to be very chatty with interviewers. And if he doesn’t want to discuss his private life, why the hell did he put an ad in The Times days before a big US promotional tour? Getting engaged is fairly meaningless – it has no legal status and there was absolutely no reason for him to publicise it, especially not at this point in time, if he didn’t want to.

      I was a bit ‘meh’ with all the theories about him being miserable with the engagement, but now I’m starting to think there must be something to it. He’s normally so enthusiastic, but he’s had a face like thunder ever since his engagement was announced.

      • Felice says:

        Everyone I know who has met him and even when he signed something for me once, he ALWAYS looks people in the eye. He makes people feel like they are the only ones in the room. This seemed closed off. He didn’t have to close off completely. She doesn’t need protecting to that extent if that’s what he’s doing. She’s a grown woman.

      • Sooth says:

        But if he wanted to close off to that extent he surely wouldn’t have publicly announced the engagement at all would he?
        And she didn’t need protecting at all. The woman looks perfectly ok with putting herself…out there. Her work’s just the weirdest thing ever. Ranging from utterly ridiculous stunts a la octupus and fake bumps while kicking around on the floor to painful midsomer murders guest spots.

    • Me says:

      Hahahahaha!

      The only thing I have to say in his defense is that the woman you marry is kind of supposed to be “the most incredible woman” you’ve ever met. But anywayz, it’s looking like BC is just sort of the epitome of all First-World-White-Girl problems. He’s freaking whining and pouting about the stupidest stuff. I think he’s just super weird and decided to let his freak flag fly now. Maybe that’s what everybody does afterpeople get to know them?

      I have a strange feeling that Sophie has been around much longer than we thought. Somebody mentioned the other day that those Coney Island photos belong to her friend, Gambles. And, though Sophie wasn’t in them, Birkin and Fornieles were. So, she was probably there. Guess they have been actual friends for a long time. BC also spent a lot of time in the NYC/New England area in November and December 2013. Maybe, they got closer then? By the time April rolled around, he was back in London and they were more serious? And the “secret girlfriend with a serious career” story came out – and we all know how serious Sophie thinks her career is… Also, when BC was shooting Black Mass, we dismissed that FOF whose mom said it was “common knowledge” on set that he had a director girlfriend in England. And I think some other chick claiming to be a London publicist said it was “common knowledge” he had a London based girlfriend. I’m guessing he officially considered himself off the market in February. By May at the latest, they were living together. If my suspicions are correct, he would have proposed after about a year of dating.

      Yeah, it looked like he had other dates during the summer and Kinvara was around. But TMIWIHEM has a friend who loves her and just “needs to hear her voice” the day after she gets engaged to another man. While his other friend takes enough tranquilizers to put down a horse and shows up to her wedding wearing horns, but no top – because it’s art (peon). So…..

      Dang. Ann Veal is the most incredible woman he’s ever met?… For real??????

      • MissMary says:

        Buuuuuuuuuuuut he was still spotted on “dates” with definitely not-SH women in the past year so either they have a super relaxed relationship and some rules in place for being open, or he’s got Roman Hands.

      • Me says:

        And Russian fingers, Miss Mary. Don’t forget the fingers. He’s been really candid about his, um Sherlock’s, fingers lately. :tee hee:

        I could buy them having some sort of artsy fartsy open or poly situation.

      • Miss Melissa says:

        All I know is, I want to hear more about the DL tea that she was having an affair with a musician in New York as recently as this summer.

      • OhHey says:

        I can’t remember when the Elle mag and shoot actually happened, so not sure of the timing ,but by the sound of the ‘Sherlock as a lover’ comments, I am saying he was single at the time and trying to impress potential girlfriends with his sexual prowess. It went from “he would do this” to “I I I I I ” and I don’t for one minute think he was talking about Sherlock. That was just too graphic to be even funny.

        Or, it was a total piss take meant to wind up the ovary-victims into a frenzy. Mission accomplished.

      • MissMary says:

        @Me: I’m poly myself and I gotta say, if they are poly (Big huge horkin’ if), they’re gonna make the community look bad with these shenanigans.

        @Miss Melissa: That… IDK. Someone posted a screen cap from a public post on SH’s fb page from just after The Announcement and it looked either like a very needy friend or a lover. “Love you and I need to hear your voice”? Hmm. I do have friends that talk like that but it’s all about context. So Maybe they’re just like that and it’s reading weird, or maybe it was something “else”.

        @OhHey: YEAH that whole “Sherlock would…” then the shift to “I…” Um dude, you’re not Sherlock. You know that, right? RiGHT? And I agree–he was totally being baity. He knew what he was doing, 100%.

      • Aiofe says:

        Am I the only one put off by mad speculation like this?? Her own family said they only began dating this summer.

      • Me says:

        @Miss Mary – Yeah, I have a lot of poly friends who actually lead their love lives like mature adults, but there’s always exceptions.
        @Oh Hey – I see what you mean, but the other theory could be that he’s been getting some on the reg for the first time in a while. So, sex was just on the brain at the time.
        @Aiofe – Really? I hadn’t known that her family fessed up to only knowing them as having dated during the summer. That’s interesting. I still buy the relationship, but interesting.

        Did anyone catch a ring in her NyC appearance pics?

  2. Lilacflowers says:

    BC was joking and Tom never tried out for any Jungle Book role. Meanwhile, Evening Standard Theatre Award nominations are out today and both Mark Strong and Tom are up for Best Actor. I do hope they both attend! Imagining the pictures now.

    • Sixer says:

      My money’s on Ben Miles for that one.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Sixer, when I read the list, I thought that too. But I just want to see them together in tuxedos. And why isn’t Mark over here promoting TIG?

      • icerose says:

        I saw Mark Strong and he was pretty awesome but my money is still on Hiddles for the sheer complexity of his performance. I have not seen Miles so it is difficult to bring him into the equation. A View from the Bridge Is transferring to the West End
        I have seen three of the women Kristin Scott Thomas, McCrory and Anderson, Kristen was good but not comparable to the other two and McCrory just edges ahead of Anderson.

      • Sixer says:

        I’m not particularly saying Miles was the best (although I loved him and I haven’t even seen Strong) – but it’s just how I see the votes going. I’ve got a nasty feeling Anderson will win, too.

      • icerose says:

        @Sixer I do not mind if Anderson wins -the performances were pretty close but for a tiny women Helen owned that stage .I do think Streetcar is more accessible than Greek tragedy but Helen had me from the first moment. Curious that they only nominated 3 men. Simon Russel Beale got a lot of critical praise for his Lear.,
        I am sad that none of the cast from the Donmar’s all women Hal were nominated
        My daughter was in tears at the end of A View from the Bridge.

      • T.Fanty says:

        @sixer; Did you see Wolf Hall? Tix for the broadway run have just gone on sale. I’m hoping that NTLive picks up A View from the Bridge.

      • Sixer says:

        I did! Loved it! I recommend it to you most heartily. Just recently saw the James plays also. Fab, too.

      • t.fanty says:

        Oh you liked them? Billington’s review led me to think they were a mess. I’m dying to see them.

      • Sixer says:

        I loved them. I really did. I saw all three on the same day! Birthday present from Mr Sixer Senior.

      • Ruth Dunbar says:

        Mark Strong makes my thighs hurt.

    • 'P'enny says:

      oooh when are they?

      filming ISTL is due to finish 1st or 2nd week of Dec ish.. I do have the exact date and time but I’m keeping it quiet, since I am running off with your secret husband.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Not sure. The nominations were just announced this morning. Maybe he can get weekend break to fly home for the awards, like he did for the Oliviers. That may be written in his contract. You may borrow either of my two secret husbands but they will always come back to me. And Charlie Hunnam wants to know what you did with his shirt.

      • 'P'enny says:

        Tell Charlie it’s cold in Grey ol’ England and I am sleeping in it, I have my Loki t-shirt underneath but his flannel fluffy shirt is permanently on me in bed. I will however return it, if he returns my pink knickers, which he took a liking too and did a Joey [from friends] and wore them to the local coffee shop.

        anyway, thanks for the official tomster loan, since it is nearly Christmas sharing is good. Glad Mark Strong got a nom, I shall make sure if tommy does attend there is a good to be bad, photo tux shot together.

      • icerose says:

        @Liacflowers can I borrow Tom on New Years Eve to entertain my house guests with his dancing , Hank songs and yodelling. I will make sure that any use of hands is confined to clapping and after some mull wine, black coffee and a few personalise Shakespeare sonnets I will send him back to celebrate the big day with you/
        @P’enny yes to the tuxedo duo

      • Dara says:

        @’P’enny – according the article in the Standard, the awards are presented in London on Nov 30 (Sunday). For those non-Yanks, that is the last day of the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I’ve got my fingers crossed the ISTL schedule is such that Tom could zip back to London for a few days and then jump back on a plane back to the states (hopefully with award in hand) Monday morning without too much fuss for the production in Louisiana.

        Oh, and I noticed Billie Piper was nominated also – does that mean more snarky comments about Tom from her husband – whathisname again?

        Final thought – I’m just a little surprised the Crucible didn’t get more love – it received rave reviews and Yael Farber was nominated for Director, but the play itself wasn’t nominated nor was Richard Armitage for Actor.

      • icerose says:

        @Dara yes I am surprised that they only have 3 nominations. If a can remember the article I read on Theatre awards bias -these tend to be biased towards people who provide great PR so I would have thought he would be in.

      • OhHey says:

        Why is Laurence making snarky comments about Tom? Sheesh!

      • Josa says:

        I was just thinking if Tom will spend his first American Thanksgiving at Rodney Crowell’s, eating turkey and cranberry sauce, was hoping Rodney will post a pic of Tom having a piece of pumpkin pie. But now I think he’ll go back to London during that 4 days weekend to attend the event and post a selfie of himself eating at Five Guys in his tux afterward.

      • 'P'enny says:

        He went last year but I can’t see him going this year- he made the effort for Oliviers a waste of his time. He’s working 15 hr days or so on ISTL think he won’t bother for this. Especially when he’s probably back to London for good a week or so later.

      • Dara says:

        ‘P’enny – I’ve given up trying to predict a Hiddles sighting. Here I was thinking the odds are good he could/would make it. Part of it is wishful thinking on my part, I want/need a little tuxedo action. But you are right – it’s a long way to go for just a few days. Should we make a wager?

      • 'P'enny says:

        i am up for a wager, i bet Tom doesn’t show and i raise you my Charlie Hunnam shirt, Hiddles T-shirt, my Loki fun balls and Colin Firth. What’s your wager?

      • Dara says:

        OK – betting he’s there. I’m not sure I can match the value of your wager though. Would you accept a half finished bottle of absinthe, a very faded (practically see-through really) blue t-shirt, a well-loved Complete Works of Shakespeare, a copy of The Jungle Book movie (albeit on VHS) and a somewhat foxed around the edges Ewan McGregor?

    • mimif says:

      There you are! I need absinthe immediately. I have jury duty in T-minus 3 hours, and masterbaiting isn’t gonna cut it.

    • **sighs** says:

      Oh yay! I doubt Tommy will show, but I’m totally on board with Strong pictures.

    • icerose says:

      And the Tom interview mentioned was an hour prior to the Benny interview and he already had a full calendar after Coriolanus.Besides it is not unusual for Benny to come out with “humerous ” snipes when he hits the PR for a film.It is part of his mode of operation.

    • joe spider says:

      Have only seen Coriolanus in which I thought Tom was brilliant, would be nice if he won after coming close in the Oliviers.

      • icerose says:

        me to but it is going to be hard to call. I much preferred Toms and Mark’s performance to the Olivier winner but obviously the judges did not.

      • OhHey says:

        I am trying to find a way to see Coriolanus, apparently not available for streaming or DVD or downloads. The clips I’ve seen are fantastic and he looks built like a brick shithouse, makes me pant a little bit. Loved his Adam in OLLA, he has such an ability to just transform himself and inhabit the character. Brilliant little Dragonfly King.

      • jammypants says:

        He went from really beefy to lanky thin in a year. Hope he rests up the rest of the year and go back to a healthy weight.

    • OhHey says:

      I’m clinging to my Hiddles more than ever now that BC has gone off the deep end of weird. Hugs Tommy, I need Hugs…… Hope he goes to the awards, just saw a recent pic of him and he looks so thin. OhHey can cook like a fiend, Darling, come on over.. 😉

      • joe spider says:

        I think the only to see it way now that the NTL broadcasts have finished is through illegals unfortunately. I agree about the brick shithouse build which really suited him.

      • KM says:

        He’s thin because he has been working on the Hank Williams biopic and Hank Williams was rail thin.

    • Abby_J says:

      @Lilacflowers

      Oh we are going to have to have quite the party for that. We should get Colin on the menu planning now.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Colin has been scribbling out notes about decor and party favors and special commemorative cocktails and guest lists and seating arrangements and menu items all day. He is very excited.

    • Annaliese says:

      Tom didn’t try out for a Jungle Book role, but he did do the Shere Khan and Kaa voices. The video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhbfOlOPGXU.

      And it’s BRILLIANT.

      I dunno. I like Sherlock, and I’m looking forward to seeing The Imitation Game, but as a person? Cumberbatch does not impress me.

  3. mimif says:

    You said MasterBaiter.

  4. Sixer says:

    I like Tommy the Twitter Amnesiac best. Mostly because he is currently GONE AWAY. Ask me again this time next year when there’s a Tommy blitz and HE’S found a fiancee who’s an alumni of Cheltenham Ladies College or Roedean or wherever, and I’ll probably say Benny the Weinstein is back in favour.

    Alternatively, I could still be in the throes of my current older-man crumpet crush – Jim Al-Khalili. I bet I never want HIM to GO AWAY.

    • Lilacflowers says:

      So, has Cillian been pushed aside for Jim?

    • Sixer says:

      Oh, no. There’s plenty of room in my mind palace.

    • 'P'enny says:

      he hasn’t forgotten to tweet, it’s just that someone has written some internet code that instantly deletes any philosophical quotes, Shakespeare and references to bad music.

      Jim as in the physicist? well Cillian and Prof Cox is all mine.

    • Sixer says:

      Plus anything from the Hallmark archive – which cut output down by 99.95% all by itself!

      Yarse. I LOVE him. You can keep Brian – I love him too, but not in that way. Brian is Sixlet Minor’s boycrush. He has an intermittently crusty Twitter feed, which I find highly amusing, though.

      I have said this before, my darling. You. Don’t. Get. The. Murphy. Well, you do, but only when I’m otherwise engaged.

    • Josa says:

      If Tom found a fiancee next year Benny style, I’ll have to believe that Brits’ are really meant to be villains and posh accent is really too sneaky. I can only take so much, opening shoe store is great and all in hindsight, when comparing to engagement announcement kicking off an Oscar campaign. Honestly, go to parties, events, photo opts, interviews, openings, all fine, just don’t sell romance or relationship. It’s just not worth it.

  5. Loopy says:

    I never really paid attention to any of the Tom Hiddleston post until two nights ago I was watching Marvel’s The Avengers and put two and two together. He looked good in that role. On another note Bendy is going to suffer from over exposure,hope it won’t affect him long term.

  6. Aiofe says:

    And the movable feast continues…

  7. Lilacflowers says:

    Can I just say that I want Malkovich’s scarf? It would go quite nicely with my winter coat.

    • Lindy79 says:

      I also love his satchel/bag thing.

    • Jaderu says:

      Malkovich looks like a hipster Col. Sanders.
      This makes me giddy.

    • Lilacflowers says:

      I have to start stalking coffee shops in Cambridge again so I can mug him and steal his accessories.

      • Lindy79 says:

        If we hear of him being mugged, we’ll know where to look…

      • Green Eyes says:

        Is he still in Cambridge? My friend used to work at a store in North Cambridge and would see him from time to time. I thought I’d heard he left Cambridge?

      • Jaderu says:

        I would have coffee with Malkovich. There I said it. I’m such a rebel today.
        Do not mug me. I bruise easily.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Malkovich was splitting time between Vermont & Cambridge. I hadn’t heard that he had left completely but I could be wrong. He always kept things really quiet but he did show up at some ICA openings and some Emerson events.

      • MountainRunner says:

        Which ones is he seen at, Lilac? 1369 or Diesel perchance? I’d like to think he’d hang at my old Java joints with that fabulous scarf around his neck.

      • Miss Jupitero says:

        Where in Cambridge? I could see him frequenting Flour near MIT, or High Rise in Huron Village. Diesel works, but Davis Square is further afield.

        Edit: Oh my he lives ten minutes from my place, and buys cheese from Formaggio, where I shop! I’ll have to make Welsh rarebit this weekend….. And get dressed up to buy that cheddar…..

      • Lilacflowers says:

        @MountainRunner & Miss Jupitero, I had heard that he was often spotted at the Starbucks near Alewife.

      • Miss Jupitero says:

        Starbucks? That is truly lame….. Especially with all of the really fine coffee establishments we have.

    • icerose says:

      Malkovich is one of my older men collection as well as my sexy bald headed men to knit hats which satisfy my creative outlet . Just look at the mischief and passion in those eyes. He makes Benny look quite anaemic.

  8. Maria says:

    Meh to Benedict.

    For someone claiming to pull a Fassbender on being too busy to campaign, he sure is everywhere-interestingly enough, I see no one is calling him out on this.

    I’ll take the real deal over a blatantly false one any day.

    • allheavens says:

      The Imitation Game is opening the the U.S. in a couple of weeks. He is doing his obligatory promotion for the film not campaigning for the Oscar. Just as every other actor who has a film opening. They have ALL been on talks shows here in the U.S, Keaton, Redmayne, Knightly (hell Keaton and Redmayne were on the same talk show one night).

      Once their films open then we will then see the full unadulterated deluge of oscarmongering. I have no problem with an actor campaigning, because it has NEVER been about performance only, never. So if you want an Oscar on your resume and about 99.99999% of actors wants one then you have to do the dance. We are only more aware of the campaigning because of our instant accessibility to so many forms of media that includes the endless parade of televised awards shows, not to mention the endless critic awards.

      Everyone isn’t DDL and even he campaign for the Lincoln Oscar. The only actor I know who truly wanted no part of the hoopla or statuette was George C. Scott.

      • gg says:

        Interestingly, the only actor (so far) to win an Emmy and an Oscar in the same year? George C. Scott. Benedict would be #2 if he wins next year.

  9. scout says:

    British humor, Bendy style. Haha..
    BTW, Did you see Angie in Black and White Gucci at Unbroken premier in Sydney? GORGEOUS.
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2837464/Angelina-Jolie-arrives-Unbroken-premiere-Sydney-alongside-Brad-Pitt.html

  10. Artimis says:

    Hahah Kaiser, I think with that headline, you yourself are a bit of a #DragonflyMasterBaiter 😀 So funny, I love it when friends do this to each other, typically British thing to do too.

    • Lindy79 says:

      I was once accused of being a total bint by one of my best friends work mates as he saw the way we talk to each other in person.
      We spend our time ripping each other and a lot of people don’t get it at all.

      • Lu says:

        Yes, I think he’s joking, too. He’s a little rough around the edges these days, so maybe it didn’t come out right, but I think he’s having a bit of fun at Tom’s expense, knowing that TH would think it’s funny, too.

        edit: this was supposed to go under @Artimis.

    • j says:

      yeah it’s fine, the interviewer clearly was baiting it and he was right to joke about it and then seriously point out theyre friends and competing sucks

      if they cant get a rise out of either actor, theyll eventually stop bringing the other one up in interviews

  11. t.fanty says:

    Dang. My in-laws are always “joking” like that, then the ass is the one who doesn’t have enough of a sense of humor to take it seriously. Cumby’s a straight-up bitch here. And by the fact that he jokes about Hiddles copying him makes me even more convinced that he reads all the childish gossip about him.

    • Sixer says:

      I haven’t watched the video – Cumberfatigue – but there is a difference between a friendly piss-take and a passive-aggressive bitch-take, ain’t there?

      • PunkyMomma says:

        Cumberfatigue. Exactly. (Pulls night mask back over eyes.)

      • T.Fanty says:

        Oh, I think that difference is saying something in a public forum that will generate negative publicity for the piss-takee(ee). Or at the very least put them in a less flattering light. An actor’s career is heavily invested in PR, and Cumby just made a joke about Puddletom being the second-rate version of him.

      • OhHey says:

        Ironically, I think Tom is as good or better than BC as far as the acting chops go, pretty damn impressed with everything I’ve seen from him.

      • Sixer says:

        Oh butFantybutbut. I already was almost nice about the Puddletom once in this thread. I can’t do it twice – heaven forfend!

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Most definitely not, Sixer. Twice in a thread would give us cause to worry about you.

        BC was joking, although like much of what he says, it went a bit too far.

    • Platospopcorn says:

      Honestly. I’ve never seen a celebrity who is “not online” but so unbelievably aware of the specific things that are said about him. A lot of fans deny it, but back when I followed him more closely, I would notice that he addressed things said about him within *days* of them showing up online. SO INSECURE.

      As for all the relationship drama and “why is he being so pissy?” speculation, I don’t buy any of the conspiracies, PR or whatever. I think he’s just genuinely astonished that everyone didn’t fall all over themselves and his lady love. I honestly think he expected the plebes to rejoice at his good fortune…

  12. Browniecakes says:

    Funny how a year ago I loved TH more as his Thor TDW press tour went on but with BC it’s kinda the opposite.

    • Lindy79 says:

      Probably because Tom didn’t act like an entitled arse who hates everything about press tours, while actually doing one

    • 'P'enny says:

      And, because he didn’t make a snide comment once and whe he was asked a question similar to what his favourite comfort food is, he came out with a list of pudding types.

      I think to be fair, the pressure for Oscar campaigning for a serious movie is not the same as TDW press tour which was a big laugh from day to day. When Tom did all the indie festivals for OLLA he was a very different person, more serious and even someone marked him has being moody during Tiff, however saying that, he never publically snarked. Not that I heard.

      swings and roundabouts on this one.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        @’p’enny, Tom was also promoting the U.S. release of THC on PBS at the same time as TDW. Those bits are quite a bit more sedate, but very polite, well, The Cookie Monster bit wasn’t so sedate but the rest of the PBS stuff was. I think his Top Gear bit of calling Clarkson an arse in his own voice is the type of snark he’d shoe

      • OhHey says:

        I don’t know where I heard it or read it, maybe TH, but the comment was that once you’re done filming, you move on and get to the next project. Then it comes time to promo the one you did last year, and people ask you questions and it’s like being asked “How was your Christmas” in June – your head is in a different place entirely and it’s hard to go backwards and back in that mindset. Tom is always a delight in these things, I must say, always positive and happy. Never seen a press conference or interview where he was pissy or sullen.

    • icerose says:

      Ben’s fall back has always been snark .Tom’s fall back is praise., I think it would be interesting to see it in reverse and I bet Tom’s approach would have been to praise Ben up to the hilt saying he would have been wonderful but was far to busy to take it on. He would have made a great diplomat or personal manager. Probably why he was voted House Captain at Eton

  13. Kazlock 1307 says:

    Did he really say that?The most wonderful woman in the world?I may lose my lunch…..

    • MissMary says:

      To be fair, he can only say what the scriptwriters presented–he had no input into the lines.

      • Kazlock 1307 says:

        MissMary… Now he’s started talking about it he sounds even more strange!

      • **sighs** says:

        And he still couldn’t look at the interviewer when he said it. I really thought he was a better actor than that.

      • MissMary says:

        Some lies are just too big to commit to sell, it seems. Whether it’s the timing or the why of the Times announcement, or the contents of the announcement itself, whichever.

      • Lucifer says:

        TMIWIHEM now. WILWIPTis over. new week new acronym. lets start a game and predict the future adjectives he’s gonna use in the coming weeks.

      • OhHey says:

        LOL MissMary,
        You should see my quite stonking and elaborate tinfoil chapeau, kind of a wide brimmed Man from Snowy River thing. Got the cape and a boa to go with it too. I am stylin’….

      • MissMary says:

        @OhHey: hee hee, I love the sound of it. I’m thinking of adding some tinfoil flowers to mine, maybe a long tinfoil feather for dramatic effect.

      • OhHey says:

        Tinfoil feathers……oh, must have. Maybe I can get some from Ben’s “eagletistical”.

      • MissMary says:

        Brandish a smart phone at him–he’s sure to drop a few.

    • Felice says:

      I see a lot of Ann Veal moments in that line….”Her?”

  14. j says:

    he got the question about the fan name 100% right here:

    http://whenisayrunrun.tumblr.com/post/102870605161/benedict-talks-about-his-fans-x-thank-you

    interestingly he legit lights up a bit in the eyes when he says the fans are great…hes losing his mind

  15. Marcy says:

    TV’s on in the break room–ugh, I forgot my popcorn!…if he tries to break snarky with Kelly Michael just might deck him. Or try to shove him through that gap in his teeth.

  16. Birdix says:

    all I know about these two I’ve read here. Shocked that Hiddleston is taller. I pictured him as a jester type, and thus shorter. And his features are rather delicate, which made me think petite as well. If all my assumptions had been true, then Cumberbatch, in the photo of them, would be Tom Cruise sized…

    • gg says:

      See, TH checks all my boxes only MORE so than BC. English? Tall? Thin? Curly hair? But he just does naaaaahthing for me. So Benedict please take your head out of your ass, I have no backup plan!

    • OhHey says:

      Hiddles, 6 ft. 2 inches of gorgeous…climb that like a tree, I say……

    • Intro Outro says:

      @Birdix: I read some people referring to Hiddleston as “gentle giant”, I think it was after his appearance at Whetland Festival. Kinda cheesy but at the same time cute and pretty accurate probably lol.

  17. 'P'enny says:

    I must say, [ssh your cries of do you have too] John Malkovich, in Dangerous Liasions is one creepy, sexy, dark actor that did a lot of things to me in the 1990’s. Seeing standing next to Cumbers is interesting, because I could never see Benny playing such a similar role, but at the same time I think he could pull it off. However, it is one film I don’t want to see a remake of, but if they brought back the stage version to the West End, [again] I would like to see Hiddles play the part, with ruffles and waistcoats and big wigs.

    • MissMary says:

      Oooooooooooooooh yes, yes to all of this.

      I do love BC’s acting but I don’t think he could pull that role off, while I do think Hiddles absolutely could.

    • aly says:

      Oh God, Penny…Malkovich’s Valmont does things to me too. I think Ben could pull it off, it’s be interesting, but you’re right, we so don’t need a remake…

    • icerose says:

      @P’enny His Valmont was exquisitely sexy and Hiddles in a combination of arrogant Coriolanus and Loki evil could definitely pull it off but not sure about Ben, He really does not excel at sexy charismatic male/female scenes.

      • aly says:

        icerose, IDK, he’s a good actor, I think he might surprise us. He doesn’t strike me as a rapist either, and he was great in Atonement:) Tom would be great as well though:)

      • 'P'enny says:

        And, that brings us right to Crimson Peak. I am totally hoping for a Valmont type. 🙂 yummy

      • icerose says:

        @P’enny I suspect he gets his moment of redemption as well-I love redemptive cads -I so want Tom in a remake of A Tale of Two Cities. I can hear it now as the tears trickle down his face ““It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
        Sobs uncontrollably.
        @Lilacflowers I need absinthe

      • joe spider says:

        @icerose “Sobs uncontrollably.”

        Can I share your tissues please?

    • Lilacflowers says:

      Sat in the third row for Malkovich’s Infernal Comedy a few years ago. That is one dangerously sexy man when he wants to be.

      • icerose says:

        I bet he was -he has an evil magic

      • 'P'enny says:

        I’m glad I am not the only one, for a man who has strangely-distinctive features he knows how to turn us to goo.
        I’ve seen Colin Firth as Valmont and his version was unwatchable..

      • vauvert says:

        Has anyone watched the recent Crossbones? Malkovich as a pirate, he was incredible. So mad the show got cancelled after one season! He is a fabulous actor no matter what he does.
        In all the weirdness surrounding BC right now, I miss the good old days of stars like Harrison Ford and Kevin Spacey… one a very introverted, rarely interviewed star, another a super fun, gracious interviewee (talk about doing impressions, Kevin can blow them all out of water), but both extremely private about, well, their private lives. BC could learn a thing or two about how to be a mega star and maintain privacy at the same time from these guys.
        If a small segment of crazy fandom annoys you, please ignore them (which also means keeping your own opinions of Sherlock’s imaginary sex life to yourself, thank you very much) or just graciously acknowledge being flattered and move on. If you date someone, don’t act like a lunatic arriving in separate vehicles or whatever…. Then placing newspaper engagement announcements two days before a major Oscar campaign starts. Just openly date her, hold hands etc. and if asked about the relationship, if you truly value privacy, take a page out of Tennant’s book and say nothing other than “my private life is private”.
        But pretending that your suddenly weird behaviour is in some way a means of protecting the privacy of a shy/delicate flower who has been a singer/ actress/ director/ model for at least a decade is an insult to everyone’s intelligence, particularly when her mom was spilling the beans months ago about “watch this space”, news are coming. Then when you top that off with outlandish statements re: TWILTWIPT (mixing up acronyms maybe) and acting all grumpy and pretend surprised that people are interested in knowing more only makes you come across as hiding something.
        My bottom line, as a marketing expert (not joking) is this: if Ben’s recent behaviour is PR dictated, he needs new PR pronto. If it is all him, he needs some good PR advice. Because he is at the point where he is causing eye rolling instead of positive vibes for what should have been a major role. As a fan I wish him well and I still like his acting a lot; but whatever I thought of him as a decent guy, fairly humble and grateful for his success is now largely tarnished by the current antics. And if drugs or drinking or tiredness are involved, the people around him need to help, because this campaign has just started and I already feel like he has been doing it for ages and instead of getting more interested in the movie, I am now getting meh about it….

      • MountainRunner says:

        @vauvert, yes to this.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Malkovich in The Infernal Comedy was a performance I will never forget. There was a full orchestra on stage and two sopranos, who would sing pieces of operas to suit whatever the storyline was doing at the time, and Malkovich, who was playing an Austrian serial killer, who had been released from prison on a technicality, moved to the US, resumed serial killing, wrote a best selling book about being a serial killer, was executed, and was now on a posthumous book tour. He was hilarious and frightening at the same time. He was also incredibly professional when one of the sopranos had a wardrobe malfunction and he stood in front of her, while removing and giving her his jacket.

    • Grace says:

      @icerose
      Pass the bottle! I need something strong while I picture what you just described…

      P.S. Sorry in my distracted state I must have clicked the wrong reply.

      • icerose says:

        Bottle is on its way.Sidney Carton was my pubescent crush somewhere between Robyn Hood/ Ricky Nelson and Heathcliff.

    • OhHey says:

      With you there – I watched it three times just for Malkovich.

      • icerose says:

        I think I watched it about 12 times and was very incensed when my mum said James Mason could have done it better.

  18. Marcy says:

    Hmm, red coat has to grow on me–but the hair is SUPERB. And the voice…

    He seems a bit worn but the charm is still there.

    • aly says:

      he looked worn out on GMA, I like how the hair is growing …not crazy about the red jacket…idk, he was charming in a low key way…

  19. Marcy says:

    That coat needs it’s own post…

  20. tasha_nat says:

    LOL at deflecting questions about his engagement. Oh Benny Benny Benny.

    http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/benedict-cumberbatch-engagement-news-film-imitation-game-26965301

    I’m liking Hiddleston’s film choices more and more. And he has really nice legs.

    • MissMary says:

      So long as he can stick to the script, he’s fine, lol. BC doesn’t seem to know what to do with the questions when they’re not in format.

      • aly says:

        Only when it’s about SH. If it was completely genuine he’d be gushing a lot more.
        To play devil’s advocate, though, maybe he wants to avoid the Tom Cruise-jumping-on-couches- effect…?

      • Renee says:

        Honestly I think he’d be a bit more animated if it was genuine. I feel like he’s just following a script and in the interview from above thread, he looks like someone who is trying to not look like he’s lying. That didn’t make a lot of sense. Oy…I haven’t had enough coffee.

        It’s a bit phony. JMO

      • Madly says:

        If you mean fine, by sounding detached and not believing it himself, then sure.

      • MissMary says:

        @Madly: He sounded more excited and pleased about his dad’s tea making than about being engaged to WILWIPT

      • Cate says:

        I kind of want to ignore him atm (it’s not working) because he’s just so ugh, but right I’m more disappointed that Bono broke his arm and there’ll be no U2 to photobomb/kick his behind at Fallon. Boooooooooo!!! I blame BC, he probably pushed Bono off his bike in Central Park, pretending to photobomb him again.
        Yep, that must be it, that’s why he was also late for his Tumblr thingy. I’m on to you Benedict! *Shakes fist*

        😉

    • Lindy79 says:

      He really does think that people are mad asking him about it, doesn’t he?
      Like he doesn’t get that putting it in the Times 2 days before his PR tour, caused all this.

      That jacket looks ridiculous with that shirt and tie.

      • MissMary says:

        He either really believes his own PR, HW has him twisted ’round, both, or he’s just a true ass and it’s finally showing.

      • Sandi says:

        Weinstein would have pulled him if he wasn’t doing what he was supposed to. I do think the hooks are in.

        Bluntly put, my standards for celebs are really low, like don’t harm someone else, so I’m not super bothered. Just perplexed by the engagement and the empty eyes.

      • Margret says:

        Ugly jacket!

  21. MissMary says:

    Hollywood Reporter has an article up about the talk at the 92Y last night and it sounds like “old BC” was there.

  22. Madly says:

    Looks like some pr handlers have been taking notes and making adjustments accordingly, standard procedure.

    Also standard procedure to join in the discussions to find out how to fix what people aren’t buying.

    • MissMary says:

      Gotta come off a bit more user friendly for Kelly and Michael. That’s the sweet spot for the demo HW wants–middle america–to come see the movie when it officially opens stateside.

    • **sighs** says:

      He’s being more fan friendly on Kelly & Michael. Somebody has finally been listening to their pr coaches. Still can’t refer to her by name, though. It’s like she’s this strange non-entity or third party.

    • j says:

      agree but i still think he’s on meds or something. vacant eyes and obvious random misery arent covered by pr. id say he should just say it but i know that is not realistic

    • Lindy79 says:

      There’s wanting to be private and then there is just plain weird. He’s firmly in the latter camp.
      No one is asking for her bra and knicker size, they’re just asking about an engagement that he put in the Times 2 days before he started a US PR tour. He brought this on himself so needs to suck it up and answer questions without looking like they’re out of order for asking, and cutting them dead with “itsformetoknow,itsprivate” the minute they bring it up

      http://media.giphy.com/media/NPyHgTkMStCXC/giphy.gif

      • MissMary says:

        So many people, famous and not, manage to have private engagements even after announcing them however they choose. All they have to say (if Ben’s PR is reading, hi, and please take note):”Thanks, we’re very happy.” There. Done. See? Easy. No waffling, no #jawseyes… “Thanks, We’re very happy.”

      • Renee says:

        MissMary. Exactly. He should stop talking about it other than, thank you, we’re happy. Don’t say anything else. FFS, just stop.

      • Lucretia says:

        ^ This, yes. Thank you.
        @Lindy79 — “No one is asking for her bra and knicker size, they’re just asking about an engagement that he put in the Times 2 days before he started a US PR tour.”

        Precisely.

  23. Renee says:

    Did he actually say “your ovaries still have use” ???

    • MissMary says:

      *insert Prince giving side-eye gif here*

    • **sighs** says:

      ” except for one girl” ….good gravy. And the thing about the fans getting over it and whatever. There’s nothing to get over. We’re fine. Honestly.

      • gg says:

        And “girl”? She’s 36!! Please hand back your feminist shirt. FFS, Mark Gatiss just retweeted something about how sexist the DM is, and one of the points was that they referred to 36-year-old SH as a “girl.”

        Facepalm indeed. All the facepalms.

      • Sandi says:

        Eh, gg, he’s a ‘boys and girls’ person at times. That’s something I myself am guilty of doing. For me, it depends on context.

      • Sooth says:

        @sighs

        What did the “except for one girl” mean?

      • **sighs** says:

        At the top of the show, someone said that all the world’s girls, tumblr girls (something like that) were sad because he got engaged, and he says, ” except for one girl”

      • Sooth says:

        Riiiight. : /

    • j says:

      eh to be fair he’s just trying to play with common tumblr speak

      • j says:

        oops and the media narrative of sad fans

      • Grace says:

        If it annoys him so much, he really shouldn’t be playing into it. Just say he’s happy; his fans are supportive, the end so that we can be happy for him without feeling second hand embarrassment.

      • aly says:

        @Grace: +10000000000000

      • MissMary says:

        @Grace he tried that last week and apparently didn’t get enough PR mileage out of it. First comment he made was about how supportive his fans are… Now apparently we’re all sad and about to relinquish the use of our ovaries. Assuming we’re all cis-female and/or have ovaries.

      • gg says:

        Just saw the Kelly and Michael thing and to be fair, Michael brought up the ovaries. So I feel *slightly* better

      • Sooth says:

        Still really douchey of him to join in. That utterly stupid ovaries expression drives me mad anyway. All this shit is so inconsistent. If he doesn’t want to talk about, well..firstly don’t announce it in a paper, but why all these awkward cutesy references? “Ooh, I’ve got one favourite (which was TOTALLY unecessary and nonsensical)” “only one girl isn’t sad” “I only need her support”
        Oh, please..

      • MissMary says:

        In the past, he’s very flatly said to people who make those comments (like the ovary ones) or mocked/teased his more “Ardent” fans that they’re being reductive or it’s doing them a “disservice”… playing along with it now makes a lot of us give a side eye esp because he’s coming off so snotty about fans in recent interviews. He may very well have been making a joke that fell flat but it’s really just…gross-sounding to a lot of folks. Even if Michael did “start it” in that interview. Who the hell thought that was an okay thing to say?

    • gg says:

      I KNOW RENEE!!! JFC……now I am all “I can’t even with this man” and not in a *good* way. I’ve already seen TIG for free, seeing PoM on Saturday (for free). I would have paid to see them again, just to help with the box office numbers. But now? Can I just sleep until after the Oscars are over? I feel like I can”t really believe my own eyes/ears right now and I don’t want to become forever disillusioned.

      • Renee says:

        WTAF? I don’t know whether to SMH or laugh at his stupidity. I will say I’ve never heard anyone, celeb or not, speak so strangely about an engagement in my life. This can’t be real…lol

      • aly says:

        Right now I’m in the camp of: “jfc…why?!?” I have a theory, which is far fetched…that all this hoopla about fans being heartbroken about his engagement (try pissed off because he’s being a moron) is PR…to show how hot stuff he is.
        I’m not the type of person who easily pearl clutches …but damn, that comment was uncalled for.
        Get your shit together, Ben!

      • Cate says:

        I like sarcasm as much as the next person, but that ovaries remark was just not funny. It doesn’t come across and was just in very poor taste. Hope his incredible fiancee who must not be named thinks he’s funny at least.

      • gg says:

        I *wasn’t* heartbroken….but now I am just getting pissed off

      • Lucifer says:

        its 3 more months. GAWD help my soul

    • aly says:

      what. the. actual…eff? Seriously? *facepalms of doom*

    • Lindy79 says:

      Where did he say this??

    • Grace says:

      Urgh. Tacky and unnecessary.

  24. kri says:

    I love the pic of Cumby and JM together. He’s always been on what I call my “Strange But True F-List”, mostly because of his amazing voice and talent. I also dig his man bag.

  25. maudfricker says:

    Well the kind souls on imdb have forgiven his tumblr q and a yesterday.
    (Please see Most Incredible woman I’ve ever met thread – on phone can’t post links)

  26. Koodles says:

    To quote David after dentist “is this real life?” Never would I have thought that when benedict “found love” and got “engaged” he would act like this. And the ovaries quote, my god:( something isn’t right in Cumberland. Cuz if that is what true love is, I think I will remain single….

    • Renee says:

      Koodles: Everything you said, yes!! And no, this isn’t normal behavior. I refuse to believe this real. It can’t be. If it is, I seriously misjudged him and he really is an ass.

      • Sandi says:

        I would assume if it were real, he wouldn’t be so miserable and/or vacant looking. You can still be an ass and look happy and alive.

        That’s really my issue with that line of thinking (and I can’t see Weinstein letting a an actor at his level do what he wants). He’s being pulled in multiple directions, which is stupidity on his part, and can’t please everyone.

      • aly says:

        Sandi, I get the feeling that there’s a lot of trial and error going on with this angle of the PR strategy. I do think that the saying “less is more” is the way to go, especially when dealing with such a volatile fanbase. Honestly, I don’t think his fanbase is his main priority at the moment. I am sure he will do something to win disgruntled fans back before the movie opens in the US, for now his handlers and he still haven’t found the right balance on how to convey the message: “i’m deliriously happy, my fans are great, some are disappointed but it’ll pass”
        jfc, is it so hard to do?

      • MissMary says:

        It reads like they’re checking the temperature then adjusting his responses accordingly. Right now, looks like pandering to tumblr/twitter but that’ll only get ’em so far. Esp if they want to shake the “crazy fan” image.

      • Felice says:

        He won’t win no matter what at this point. If he acted normal with her in the beginning it would be fine. Because he keeps changing due to reactions, he won’t win.

      • Lucifer says:

        not even nomination. MY two cents. WTF !! I was so hopeful.

      • Felice says:

        I mean he won’t win us over with him being “so happy” with his engagement since he keeps changing the story and was acting weird to start with.

        With Weinstein he’ll probably be nominated. Better bring his mum.

      • Sandi says:

        There shouldn’t be trial and error, aly: this wasn’t hard to pull off at all. I agree 100% that he is ambitious and a talented actor, which is what makes it disconcerting that he can’t make it work.

        He’s like one of those rubber man dolls, if you recall those. He’s got 4 parties pulling in different directions-friends/family; Weinstein; his team; other projects- one on each limb. And he can’t be honest, which is probably eating him.

      • gg says:

        He’ll get another chance at an Oscar with another movie, just please god don’t let Weinstein get hold of it

      • aly says:

        Ladies, the current campaign has just started…and it’s going okay, what’s with the doom and gloom?

      • aly says:

        Yeah, Sandi…I know, it should have been a walk in the park for those people. I’m honestly confused by this…

      • MissMary says:

        The whole thing feels like someone out of their depth. I’ve seen many Oscar campaigns from the POV of spectator/fan over the years and few have been so tangibly “off”. That said, there’s plenty of time so it may even out or even just work in his favor this way. But I get the feeling Karon et al are being handed down dictums from HW and told “make it happen” and everyone not working for HW directly are sort of fumbling in the dark and trying to make it work pronto. It’s a long game so why rush…

      • Ingrid says:

        Well Harvey’s main oscar campaign person left this year, so maybe this is the reason for this clusterf*ck.

  27. MissMary says:

    Intentional or not, he’s doing a fine job of irking and alienating many fans, esp the female ones. There’s still the IMDB nannies in love with him and some tumblerites are all about his “OMG how sweet!” interviews (they must be seeing different ones than we are…) but even from casual fans and people who are just interested in the movie, there’s a lot of “WOW what a douche!” type response to his comments and actions of late. If that’s what PR wants…mazel tov.

    Yes, some of his comments are “lead” by the interviewers but he has most definitely given interviews in the past where he’s been baited but responded with less assy comments–usually along the lines of “no, my fans are great and supportive” and moves on to the next question.

    • aly says:

      I’m still a fan, it’d take a lot more for me to stop being one, but damn…the ovaries thingy, even if meant in jest was totally uncalled for. WTH?
      If pr is taking notes: he can project an image of a happily engaged, private man, grateful for his fans’ support without sounding like a douche. C’mon, you have studied for this, certainly you can do better!
      It’s like seeing Sherlock campaigning for the Oscars…

      • Felice says:

        And Sherlock being engaged to Janine. Actually no, he smiled and was kissy-gooey.

      • OhHey says:

        The ovary thing is a very common online thing, it’s really not that gross, every time someone posts a picture of Ben there are a hundred posts of “oh, goodbye, ovaries!” Didn’t surprise me at all but people who aren’t online much may have found it a little icky.

      • MissMary says:

        I’m online a bit (lol obviously) but IDK… it still squicks me out even when people on tumblr post it with that gif from Sherlock S1, lol. And just the whole callback to it made me roll my eyes so hard. But I think that’s my issue more than anything.

    • Renee says:

      MissMary: I’m not sure the PR angle is working. it seems like he’s alienating casual fans. Never thought I’d say this, but I’m getting pretty close to not being a fan of his anymore.

      • gg says:

        I’m side-eyeing so hard that my eyes have rolled out one side of my head, all the way around and back in the other side.

      • MissMary says:

        I still love his work but right now I’m kind of watching this like a slow moving train wreck–it’s not going to end well, one way or the other.

      • jammypants says:

        I think it’s the opposite. He’s not alienating casual fans. He’s alienating hardcore ones.

      • MissMary says:

        @Jammypants: I think you may be right. Those of us who are following his career and have been fans for a while are the ones scooting aside and going “WHO is this guy?”

      • Felice says:

        and yet the most obnoxious one keeps blindly following

      • **sighs** says:

        Felice- see, that’s the problem. He’s not getting rid of the contingent he wants to. He’s alienating that next outer circle of fans. The ones that go to see all his work, but don’t send him ties and stalk him. The ones that send him ties are never going to get the message.

        It keeps correcting to Felipe! Arg! Felice!

    • J says:

      Oh the host brought up the ovaries thing.

      Eh I think ppl are starting to overreact to stuff a little

  28. Allegra says:

    Tom and a male fan:
    ” Well Sunday had amazing start went to go get some coffee and got to meet Tom Hiddleston! Had a casual conversation with him and got to shake his hand!”
    http://instagram.com/p/veV6o-A_kR/

    • Grace says:

      Oh hello, big blue eyes

    • koko says:

      That hair color is bewitching me. He looks good. But the comment “who’s that”, cracks me up. 🙂

    • icerose says:

      he is looking sweet

    • Camil says:

      Tom looks a little tired but awwww, he’s so handsome. His portrayal of Hank Williams will be amazing 😀

    • OhHey says:

      Aw, sweetness….the brown lenses he wears for the part are a little distracting, happy to see the baby blues again. Now, lets fatten him up again…..

    • **sighs** says:

      Oomph. He is too adorable for words. Only sounds will do. *gurgles incoherently*

    • 'P'enny says:

      I do like the dark hair & glad to see his baby blue eyes looking wide ❤️❤️❤️ Have to admit the brown eyes freaked me out. Oh lol he still hadn’t mastered an iron 😜

      • OhHey says:

        Some Q&A I saw said that he asks his mother to do his laundry because he doesn’t know how to use a washer and a dryer, and clearly an iron. She does a great job, he’s usually flawless, LOL.

      • **sighs** says:

        What? He doesn’t know how to use a washer and dryer? She doesn’t live with him, does she? Why would she do his laundry? What what? I’m sorry, he’s a grown ass man, no? This baffles me.

      • OhHey says:

        It was here, (and this blog absolutely cracks me up…), he really is too old not to know how to wash clothes….goodness, he needs me more than ever 😉
        http://tomismonochromaticallyfabulous.tumblr.com/

      • Josa says:

        Men come up with all kinds of excuses to not do chore. I do believe he doesn’t do his own washing, either has a cleaning lady or bring them to the drycleaner.

      • 'P'enny says:

        My brother is nearly 50 and a computer genius but can’t use a washing machine, he’s mastered the dishwater, but he definitely wouldn’t have a clue about an iron. He’d think it was something from Alien.

        And Hiddles’ mum obviously didn’t iron his light blue shirt when he crashed at hers over the summer, see that photo wear he is holding his painted egg. Bless, still better than the black cardy.

        to be fair to Hiddles, i just remembered when he said he just enough time to through some socks in the washer between OLLA and TTDW? or his mum did. LMAO

      • Josa says:

        Watched the Escape Artist the other day, David Tennant plays a brilliant attorney. His character tried his earnest to get his dishwasher starts and it won’t, he won’t let his 9 yrs old tells him how to operate the washer either. Men, rather be lost than ask for direction, typical.

      • **sighs** says:

        To be fair, my husband asks me every single time which settings for the washer. Every. Time. He does do the dishes though, so I can’t complain too much.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        He asked his mother to teach him how to use his washer and dryer. I would also imagine a fair amount of items are being sent to the hotel laundry or dry cleaner.

      • joe spider says:

        Isn’t it funny how a throw away line years ago (washing machine) gets taken literally and goes down into legend. 🙂

      • Grace says:

        Mmmm *chokes on my tea* 🙂

      • joe spider says:

        Did they forget to make his eyebrows dark?

        Also if it will work:

        http://bushesobrandy.tumblr.com/post/102939985547/today-was-awesome-i-thought-the-day-was-going-to

      • 'P'enny says:

        I loved the titbits that have come out this morning, Hannah Crowell has tweeted that Rodney has been cast to play his father. I think its all rather cute and nice. Some great comments on twitter too from one or two extras, 17 hour day. I am sorry even with Hiddles singing in front of me I couldn’t last 17 hours! LOL.

      • Allegra says:

        Yes, she wrote in her instagram:
        “My dad taught this heartthrob to be Hank Williams for his new movie. Now my dad is playing Hank Williams’ dad in the movie. So I think what this means is that Tom Hiddleston is my new brother. Right?”

      • Allegra says:

        And from @Jayson Warner Smith:
        “@ISTL_Film I can truthfully say Tom #TomHiddleston is an A-1 pure class act. A true artist and gentleman. What a pleasure

      • 'P'enny says:

        Joe its probably a good thing they don’t over dark his eyebrows, they did that last year for the reshoots Thor3/Capa and he looked like to massive furry caterpillars had taken root. he needs to keep them trimmed.

      • joe spider says:

        @ ‘P’enny

        Haha, but some Thor 1 ones would be nice.

  29. ava says:

    BC was joking….nice try CB.

  30. Ellen says:

    All this benny and Sophie actions/talk/rumors just makes me glad our boy Hiddles would never result to anything like that and feels that he respects and trust his fans not to feel the need to hide anyone he loves.

    Well done Hiddles you are an example as usual.

    • 'P'enny says:

      Ellen, are you being sarcy?

      I think Hiddles wont be as repressed, but he is definitely hiding someone or [plural] in his bedroom. 😉 I still thinking he’s dating you know who, casually non-committal , but I think he is. ‘big baity smiles’ #don’t go there.

      • Grace says:

        @ Penny Penny Penny
        #don’t be a tease – or I am getting my paddle out!

        P.S. to English as second language speaker here, what does sarcy mean?

      • Ellen says:

        @’p’enny he needsa bit of loving too however due to his weight being dramatically cut down fast he’s enviably going to have a hard time get it up.

        I hope he is dating but I hope he’s still not dating you-know-who because despite what some people on here say from what I’ve seen she’s odd.

        I stil don’t think Hiddles would hide someone he’s serious about, he might make short remarks but I don’t think he’s the evasive cloak and dagger type.

        You-know-who is probably not serious (let’s hope it stays that way) which is why he’s not going to talk about her.

        Sophie deserves much more respect from Benny. She looked really nervous in those photos and him- urgh glad I’m not marrying him.

      • Pretzel says:

        I don;t know if you are joking Ellen but from what I have seen of Hiddles’ actions lately, I think Hiddles will be even more sneaky just because he has already had a weird experience with you-know-who. ANd yes, it was weird because there are literally just two pictures with them together and people have dissected those to death, studying and discussing ALL sorts of theories. So I think our boy will be very, very sneaky. ANd I agree with ‘P’enny. I’m also someone who thinks that you-know-who is still in the picture (in whatever capacity that maybe)

      • Ellen says:

        What weird behaviour with hiddles? The bookshop one or the ‘married’ one that turned out to be not true? I’m not interested in those few photos and video, but from what I’ve seen on the twitter activities of you-know-who which were posted on here by someone (this was when i was first aware of it) you could tell she was odd. You-know-who should’ve not even acknowledge Hiddles and his fans then people would’ve got bored and moved on but the fact is she didn’t and closing it down when she didn’t even get abuse on it is even odder.
        I really want to avoid this woman in all talks just as much as everyone but if she’s still involved with hiddles this is not going to happen and part of it would be because she won’t let it by popping up again. I know I brought it up but that is because I can get intelligent form of discussion on here.

        Sophie is getting a bad rap for being desperate and whatever but you-know-who is worse

        Lets just hope the Liliac and Hiddles rumours are true he need someone like her 🙂

      • 'P'enny says:

        In some ways, I wonder if the all fan-trolling over Bora-gate and Hiddles hidden SG/FWB has had the wrong influence on Benedict’s behaviour with Sophie. Because Hiddles SGF was also a miserable moo by her limited appearances in public and she really got the fanbase annoyed. Maybe Benedict is trying to avoid that chaos but this strategy is even worse. At least Bora-bora woman made a single toothy smile. Sophies smile count is zero.

      • Grace says:

        In a way I get what you are saying ‘cos Benny is just the kind of guy to overthink, but at the same time I think that’s a very silly way to live: would you stop eating altogether for all the ecoli that’s out there?

      • 'P'enny says:

        whose liliac? ELLLLLEEEEEEEEN? cant just drop that one and not explain? mmm

      • Ellen says:

        @’p’enny you know-who has competition that’s all I’m saying 😉

        Sophie and you-know-who are totally different. Sophie in no way has deliberately annoyed any of benny’s fans or provoked them. I know Sophie doesn’t smile much but I really can’t see why they don’t like her. You-know-who on the other hand did provoke and annoy fans, if she remained silent on the matter I would feel sorry for her too. You-know-who has never had any abuse made directly at her. In the two picture I’ve seen of her she is smiling but hiddles isn’t.
        I don’t get this SGF thing. If be honest then everyone would be bored by now.

        It’s clear Benny or one of his team has been reading these boards so I’m hoping Hiddles team has as well and has told him not to go down this route

      • 'P'enny says:

        LMAO I’m being dense – duh.

        I can imagine Karon is reading this on her I-phone, sitting on the plane, while Benedict ignores her with his ear phones in.

    • OhHey says:

      Hiddles has been working almost nonstop on Hank, for months and months, so I can’t see how he would even have time to have a real GF, or even a FB. He said himself he’d be a crap boyfriend now because he’s so busy. I’m guessing he’s a long way from settling down, lots of wild oats left to sow and a career to settle before he can commit. I’ll volunteer for services in the interim, however. 😉

  31. may23 says:

    I like Tom’s voice better :p