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Benedict Cumberbatch played the role of cryptanalyst Alan Turing in the 2014 filmThe Imitation Game.The Power of the Dogactor received an Oscar nomination for portraying the man who saved millions of lives during the Second World War by decrypting German Intelligence messages. The film based on Andrew Hudges’ 1983 biographyAlan Turing: The Enigmaalso won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
However, it may come across as a surprise to some fans thatThe Courieractor was not the first choice for the film. Cumberbatch revealed that the role didn’t come to him, rather, he had to pursue it.
Also Read:5 DC & MCU Stars Rejected Doctor Strange Until Benedict Cumberbatch Turned It Into A $1.6B Success
Benedict Cumberbatch Was Not The First Pick To Play Alan Turing
Benedict Cumberbatch’s fan-favorite role came in the British mystery drama seriesSherlock, where he played a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. The1917actor was initially not on Warner Bros’ radar for the role. Warner Bros reportedly bought the screenplay for a whopping seven-figure amount, withLeonardo DiCaprioin mind as the lead. However, DiCaprio declined the role due to busy schedules.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cumberbatch revealed that he had to convince Warner Bros to cast him as Alan Turing. TheCurrent Waractor was persistent in achieving the role so that he could contribute something meaningful to the legacy of the great mathematician. The Marvel actor remarked about pursuing the role:
“I was not onboard, but I was onboard with the idea of being onboard. In my head, I was already onboard! I had to convince them.”
Benedict Cumberbatch not only met but exceeded the studio’s expectations, as he was praised for his performance in the movie. While it’s interesting to speculate what Leonardo DiCaprio might have brought to the role, Cumberbatch definitely won the hearts with this role. In fact, the role providedThe Electrical Life of Louis Wainactor with the breakthrough he needed.
Also Read:Cancel Culture, I’ve Come to Bargain: Even Doctor Strange Star Benedict Cumberbatch Couldn’t Escape LGBTQ+ Backlash after Co-Star’s ‘Transphobia’
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dedication to the Role
Benedict Cumberbatch showed solid commitment in telling the poignant story of Alan Turing. The film also sheds light on Turing’s challenges towards the end of his life, as he was persecuted for being a homosexual. The British hero had a tragic demise by suicide.
From the early stages of his involvement, theBrexitactor was very keen on people understanding Turing and the great mind that he was. In his efforts to persuade Warner Bros to grant him the role, theAvengers: Endgameactor recalled telling the studio his intentions:
“I’m gonna keep this brief. I am quite simple — trust me! … It’s a very daunting thing when you look at what his mind gave the world.”
Also Read:Benedict Cumberbatch Went To Extreme Lengths For His Oscar Winning Movie, Did Not Shower For 6 Days
After his performance inThe Imitation Game, Cumberbatch went on to play the titular character in MCU’sDoctor Strangeand reprised the role in multiple Marvel ventures. Benedict Cumberbatch also received a second Best Actor Oscar nomination for the 2021 filmThe Power of the Dog.The Imitation Gameis available for streaming on Netflix.
Source:The Hollywood Reporter
Hashim Asraff
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3019
Hashim Asraff is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, with over 2,800 articles published on celebrity culture, comic book movies, and major TV franchises. With a background in Sociology and a keen interest in pop culture, Hashim brings a unique lens to breaking news stories, character deep-dives, film rankings, and fan-driven perspectives.His coverage often includes the MCU, DCU, hit network shows, and celebrity profiles, giving readers a rich blend of entertainment and analysis. A longtime fan of crime and investigative series, Hashim has watched thousands of episodes of NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Bones, Blue Bloods, and The RookieA passionate storyteller and wordsmith, Hashim has also worked as a ghostwriter and managed multiple social media handles. He brought his writing expertise to FandomWire to also pursue his lifelong love for cinema and television.
