As a seasoned gamer and ardent fan of all things Middle-earth, I can confidently say that Benedict Cumberbatch’s performances in “The Hobbit” franchise were nothing short of spectacular. His voice as Smaug was a chilling reminder of the power and cunning of the Dragon of the Lonely Mountain, while his portrayal of the Necromancer added an eerie, sinister undertone to Sauron’s resurgence.
Watching the “The Hobbit” movies is an interesting experience, considering that the trilogy, well … should never have been a trilogy. The story drags on too long, overuses CGI, and chases too many bunny trails. However, one part of the films stands out as a piece of truly spectacular Middle-earth fun: Smaug. The sequence where Bilbo (Martin Freeman) speaks with the dragon amidst piles of gold is good, old-fashioned, high fantasy drama. Smaug is portrayed with spine-chilling effect, but who is the voice behind those massive jaws? It’s the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch.
Currently, Benedict Cumberbatch is a household name due to significant parts like Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Sherlock Holmes in “Sherlock.” While working on “Sherlock,” he collaborated with Martin Freeman, who portrayed John Watson, at almost the same time they were filming “The Hobbit” series together. Although their off-screen friendship has reportedly faced some strains, it’s worth mentioning that these two talented actors have graced our screens in numerous other productions. Notable roles include Benedict as Alan Turing in “The Imitation Game,” Ford in “12 Years a Slave,” and Colonel Mackenzie in “1917.
Cumberbatch’s double role in The Hobbit franchise
Cumberbatch’s performance as Smaug is one for the ages. For starters, the actor’s deep voice and impeccable delivery are exactly what you would want for the Dragon of the Lonely Mountain. His thoughtful, ponderous inflections and pauses give Smaug a fresh and interesting interpretation. In addition, Cumberbatch thoroughly committed to the role — he suited up in motion capture gear, both on his body and his face, to help craft movements and believable physical behaviors for the Golden Dragon. His facial expressions were spot on, and behind-the-scenes footage shows that even his serpentine neck motions and four-legged acting helped the crew bring Tolkien’s famous creature to life.
In addition, it’s worth noting that Benedict Cumberbatch didn’t only portray Smaug in Middle-earth; he also lent his voice to the Necromancer, a disguise of Sauron that was hinted at in those movies. Although not as straightforward as his Smaug portrayal, Cumberbatch delivered a chilling, dark depiction of the Dark Lord, which perfectly captured the essence of Sauron’s resurgence in power during that period of the iconic villain’s return.
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2024-09-21 14:59