Benedict Cumberbatch: I’m ‘Very Happy to Be Part of Storytelling’ That Goes Against the ‘Strong Man Image of What Masculinity Is’

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At the Berlin press conference for “The Thing With Feathers,” Benedict Cumberbatch discussed his portrayal of masculinity in his film roles, particularly his character who is a grieving father of two sons after the tragic loss of his wife.

As a passionate cinephile, I found myself standing side by side with director Dylan Southern, Richard Boxall, and Henry Boxall (the trio pictured above), who brought my on-screen sons to life in “The Thing With Feathers.” This highly anticipated film, produced under my company SunnyMarch, had its world premiere at Sundance and will make its European debut at Berlin tonight. I can hardly contain my excitement!

At the press conference, Cumberbatch expressed that he finds it fulfilling to expose his vulnerability in his acting roles, and considers this an asset as it allows him to grow from painful experiences.

I’m thrilled to contribute to narratives that challenge traditional ideas of masculinity, as they often overlook vulnerability and uncertainty. Instead, I embrace these aspects.

Talking about his reasons for accepting this challenging role that demands strong emotional depth, Cumberbatch expressed that it’s a part of his duty as an actor not to avoid showcasing the entire range of human emotions.

Regardless of the situation – such as losing a child, experiencing abuse, battling addiction, or harboring hatred – when I delve into complex characters, I believe my role is to examine their human qualities. This includes understanding if there’s any remaining humanity within them, or recalling what it once was before they were stripped of their humanness.

Cumberbatch emphasized that “it’s our duty, as a community, to support those in greatest need and those who are consistently struggling. This sense of obligation has been a guiding force for me since my early years.

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that MK2 Films is managing international distribution for “The Thing With Feathers,” a film whose U.S. rights are yet to be secured. This captivating production is the brainchild of Andrea Cornwell, in collaboration with Adam Ackland and Leah Clarke from SunnyMarch.

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2025-02-18 19:46