Benedict Cumberbatch could be taking on Doctor Who, according to rumours.
The Sherlock Holmes star is tipped to play the Time Lord's deadly nemesis The Master for the show's 50th anniversary, the Daily Express reported.
As the Master, the 35-year-old actor - who was linked with the role of the Doctor himself ahead of David Tennant's departure in 2009, but reportedly turned it down - is likely to clash with current Doctor Matt Smith when the series celebrates the milestone next year.
"It's fitting that the Doctor comes face to face with his ultimate enemy The Master for the 50th anniversary and it's felt Benedict is the perfect choice if schedules can work," a source told the paper.
"Fans will love the idea of the man who plays Sherlock Holmes taking on the Doctor. Benedict has often been asked about whether he would like to play the Doctor, so it will be ironic if he now ends up being The Master instead."
The Master, who is a rogue Time Lord and is described as his biggest enemy, was last portrayed by John Simm when David wore the Doctor's robes.
Benedict, who last starred in Steven Spielberg's War Horse, has won awards for his performance as super-sleuth Sherlock, and will be embracing his darker side after being cast as a villain in JJ Abrams' forthcoming Star Trek sequel.
Source: UK Press
Doctor Who - Sherlock's Cumberbatch as The Master?
27 Feb 2012
Doctor Who Sherlock
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I'm surprised it's taken this long for a rumour like this to start circulating in the press to be honest, but since news is slow for Who at the moment I thought it worth posting :)
ReplyDeleteIf this is true... omg, I don't know what I'll do if this turns out to be true. Just reading this gave me all the best kinds of shivers. So many feelings. OMG.
ReplyDeleteThat would be sweet, though I would prefer to see John Simm at least at the beginning, and see him regenerate again.
ReplyDeleteSo confused. I don't mind him to play the Master, but what about John Simm?
ReplyDeleteNot liking it. Moffatt, stop confusing your series ><
ReplyDeleteOh God, this would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHe's such a perfect fit for the show...
ReplyDeleteRumours like his have been around for quite some time, actually, as have several interviews asking if Benedict was going to be involved in DW in any way. As far as I know, all the interviews asking this question have gotten the answer of "No." Benedict is currently pretty busy, what with Sherlock S3 filming that began about a month ago, and his newer roles in Star Trek 2 and The Hobbit (as Smaug and the Necromancer). I'm not sure I would actually enjoy Benedict as the Master, at least not yet. Give me a new face, someone who's not as popular, and give him a chance to shine.
ReplyDeleteRiley, about filming S3S, are you sure? I mean, that would imply that series 3 air date is not too far off
ReplyDeleteI don't think the scripts aren't done yet, let alone filming. Who started filming this month, and both Cumberbatch and Freeman are out of the country filming other productions AFAIK.
ReplyDeleteYeah these rumours happened last season as well and like you say Benedict is way too busy right now even if he had a change of heart
ReplyDeleteI would like someone completely different for the Master if they brought the character back, how about a change of gender as well
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought, and Riley gave me a heart attack, an aneurism burst and a stroke simultaneously
ReplyDeleteI think Benedict said in a previous interview that he doesn't want to be in a franchise as big as Doctor Who. This was from around the time when it was rumored he would play the Doctor, but I don't think it would have changed. I'd love it if this rumor was true, though.
ReplyDeleteWhile I think BC is a fabulous actor, I would like to see someone else as the Master.
ReplyDelete