Benedict Cumberbatch Regrets Transphobic Role in ‘Zoolander 2’

Recently, Benedict Cumberbatch openly discussed his most contentious movie role yet, admitting that he has deeply apologized to viewers and fans for a performance deemed transphobic by many. Notable for revitalizing Sherlock Holmes in the series “Sherlock” and embodying another title character in the MCU’s “Doctor Strange,” Cumberbatch has occasionally made debatable casting decisions. However, none have been more criticized than his brief appearance as a satirical model, All, in the poorly received 2016 sequel “Zoolander 2.” In this film, Ben Stiller reprised his role as Derek Zoolander and Owen Wilson returned as Hansel, with Cumberbatch joining them. The character of All was not well-received by audiences.

In a recent chat with Variety, I found myself discussing the contentious character I portrayed. I’ve had to express my regrets quite often when the topic arises, assuring everyone that I won’t take on a similar role in the future. “I’ve had to apologize for that quite a lot,” I admitted. It’s not an easy subject to broach. You see, I accepted the part because of my admiration for Stiller and the initial Zoolander film. To put it simply, here’s why: I was a big fan, and the opportunity to be part of that world was irresistible.

I have deep affection for that particular group, as they were associated with something legendary in my eyes when I first encountered them. It was an opportunity to join a movement I admired greatly. However, things became complex and misinterpreted along the way, leading to disagreements and upsetting others.

LGBTQ+ advocates strongly protested against the film, urging people to avoid watching Zoolander 2, after the initial trailer suggested a transphobic character. One petition stated that Cumberbatch’s character was depicted as an exaggerated, caricatured insult to androgynous/trans/non-binary individuals. The criticism quickly spread on social media, with the petition gathering 25,000 signatures. Now, Cumberbatch has acknowledged the lesson he’s learned from this situation, stating that he would not play such a role in the future. In other words, he expressed his respect for this stance and suggested he wouldn’t take on such a part again.

This Isn’t the First Time Benedict Cumberbatch Has Apologized for ‘Zoolander 2’

The movie Zoolander 2, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch‘s questionable role among other issues, did not fare well beyond expectations. Despite Ben Stiller’s continued belief that it was a film misunderstood by audiences, it ended up as a significant box office disappointment, earning only $28 million domestically. Even with his current high-profile character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and numerous other critically acclaimed roles, the controversy surrounding the sequel persists for him.

In a 2022 interview, Benedict Cumberbatch expressed that he believes only a trans actor could effectively portray his role in today’s era. He made this statement alongside Penélope Cruz, his co-star from the movie “Zoolander 2.” During the conversation, Cumberbatch also shared his thoughts on accepting the role, stating that at the time, he wasn’t specifically considering it as a matter of gender identity, but rather saw it as playing two dinosaurs who were out of touch with the new, diverse world. You can watch “Zoolander 2” on Prime Video to see Cumberbatch’s performance for yourself.

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2025-02-05 00:32