Benedict Cumberbatch’s Top 5 Roles: From Sherlock to the MCU and Beyond

Benedict Cumberbatch’s illustrious 23-year career spans across major movie franchises, outstanding standalone films, and top-tier TV series. Over the past two decades, this English actor has brought to life legendary characters from Marvel superheroes to a renowned detective to a menacing dragon. A double Oscar nominee and Emmy award winner, Cumberbatch stands as one of the most gifted actors currently working in the film industry, reaching impressive heights with his remarkable body of work. Known for his ability to portray diverse personalities, Cumberbatch’s talent outshines many performers, and his acting resume showcases his exceptional skill on set. With a vast array of projects under his belt, Cumberbatch is an invaluable asset to any director due to his versatility.

Among the many outstanding roles played by Benedict Cumberbatch throughout his career, these five stand out as his absolute finest, demonstrating unequivocally that he is indeed a true cinematic legend in Hollywood.

Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock

In the critically acclaimed BBC series “Sherlock,” Benedict Cumberbatch brought the famous detective to life across its four seasons from 2010 to 2017. His portrayal of Sherlock Holmes garnered him four Emmy nominations, and he won in 2014 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Cumberbatch’s performance was captivating due to his skillful blend of the character’s intellect, humor, and emotional complexity, making Sherlock Holmes feel like a compelling three-dimensional character. His interpretation of the iconic figure felt fresh and original, as he managed to make the role his own despite it having been portrayed on screen before. Cumberbatch’s performance is widely regarded as the best adaptation of Sherlock Holmes to date.

Doctor Stephen Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

2016 marked the first appearance of Benedict Cumberbatch as the enigmatic sorcerer Doctor Stephen Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), in the film “Doctor Strange”. Since then, he has reprised his role in “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017), “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018), “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021), and most recently, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022). Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Strange, with his dry wit and somewhat self-centered demeanor, has been compelling, and he has mastered the character’s unique hand gestures for casting spells. The audience’s admiration for Cumberbatch’s Strange has grown, indicating Marvel’s confidence in his interpretation of the comic book character.

According to recent reports, Benedict Cumberbatch has announced that he won’t be featured in the 2026 movie “Avengers: Doomsday”. Instead, his character Doctor Strange will have a significant part in the 2027 release “Avengers: Secret Wars”, which is set to wrap up the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga. Additionally, a third “Doctor Strange” film is planned for production.

Smaug in The Hobbit Trilogy

I stepped into J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings world when I lent my voice to the character Smaug in 2013’s “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” and 2014’s “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.” Few actors get the chance to bring a fire-breathing dragon to life, and I seized this unique opportunity wholeheartedly. In portraying the evil dragon, I aimed to convey his cruelty and arrogance authentically, successfully translating Smaug’s intimidating presence from the pages of the novel onto the big screen.

In 2012, Benedict Cumberbatch lent his voice to both Sauron (also known as the Necromancer) in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, and to Smaug in the subsequent films. These voice performances demonstrate Cumberbatch’s ability to create an impact, whether he is physically present on screen or not.

Alan Turing in The Imitation Game

Benedict Cumberbatch played the role of Alan Turing, a British codebreaker, in the 2014 biopic “The Imitation Game.” This film, inspired by the true events surrounding Turing’s efforts to crack German codes during World War II, presented a significant and touching real-life narrative. Cumberbatch’s exceptional portrayal of the main character continues to be the heart of “The Imitation Game.” The movie skillfully interweaves the professional aspects of Turing’s WWII involvement and his personal struggles with his sexuality, offering a comprehensive depiction of this remarkable individual. Cumberbatch’s performance was spot-on, capturing Turing’s social discomfort, genius, and internal strife with remarkable precision, a feat few other actors could match. To this day, “The Imitation Game” is considered one of Cumberbatch’s finest performances.

Phil Burbank in The Power of the Dog

2021’s film “The Power of the Dog” showcased Benedict Cumberbatch in the central role of Phil Burbank, a notoriously wealthy rancher from 1920s Montana, portrayed with chilling precision. The narrative unfolds as Phil butts heads with his brother’s newly-arrived wife and her son on the ranch. While Cumberbatch skillfully depicted Phil’s arrogant demeanor and derision towards others, making him hard to like, he cleverly stopped Phil from appearing as a flat villain. In truth, Phil’s tale is a heartbreaking one, as he conceals his true feelings beneath a tough cowboy exterior, suppressing his sexuality. Cumberbatch’s nuanced portrayal of this intricate character represents one of his most impactful performances and solidifies his status as a legendary actor.

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2025-01-31 06:40