Benedict Cumberbatch has opened up about one of his most regretted roles in the 2016 comedy Zoolander 2, admitting that portraying the non-binary fashion model “All” was a mistake. Speaking to Variety, the Doctor Strange star revealed that he’s had to apologize multiple times for his portrayal, which sparked backlash from the queer community for its perceived insensitivity towards gender identity.
Cumberbatch described the role as “complicated” and confessed that it was misunderstood, acknowledging that he upset many people in the process. Despite being part of an iconic ensemble that included Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, and Owen Wilson, Cumberbatch said the experience left him rethinking his career choices, noting that he would likely not take on such a role again.
The movie, which also starred Penélope Cruz and Ariana Grande, received backlash when its trailer was released, with many activists criticizing the film for its portrayal of gender. Stiller, who also faced criticism for the film, previously admitted that the negative response was “blindsiding” and affected him deeply.
Zoolander 2 may have been a star-studded spectacle, but it’s a lesson in career missteps for Cumberbatch.
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