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Press Tour Shocker: Benedict Cumberbatch says nothing about 'Star Trek' role

'Sherlock' star says he's 'over the moon' about his casting

By Daniel Fienberg Thursday, Jan 5, 2012 6:30 PM

<p>Benedict Cumberbatch of "Sherlock"</p> <div id="myEventWatcherDiv" style="display:none;"> </div>

Benedict Cumberbatch of "Sherlock"

Credit: PBS

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PASADENA - When news broke on Wednesday (January 4) afternoon that "Sherlock" star Benedict Cumberbatch had landed a key, but entirely undisclosed, role in J.J. Abrams' upcoming "Star Trek" dozens of TV critics had the same thought: Sweet! We'll get no scoops whatsoever when Benedict Cumberbatch appears at the Television Critics Association press tour via satellite to promote the second season of his Arthur Conan Doyle series.
 
And we were correct!
 
Cumberbatch only received a question-and-a-half about his "Star Trek" casting, but his answers didn't even rise to the level of cryptic or evasive. 
 
So what did the "War Horse" and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" scene stealer actually have to say about his highest profile film to date? 
 
Click through...
 
"There's a lawyer standing here saying that I can't say anything," Cumberbatch replied to the clearly expected query. "I'm hugely, hugely excited and I'm very, very flattered."
 
He continued, helpfully, "I'm not here to talk about that. I will, in the future, I'm sure. I'm just getting my head around the fact that it's happened. If you'll forgive me, I'll pass on that. But my headline is that I'm over the moon."
 
Wait. So the headline is that he's over the moon? Is that a reference to his "Star Trek" character -- assumed, without empirical evidence, to be a villain -- having some sort of connection with the moon? Which character would that be, "Trek" fans?
 
Cumberbatch, who was in London for the "War Horse" premiere, is experiencing a sudden crest of fame and the 35-year-old actor sounds grateful.
 
"I've been working for nearly 10 years.I got started quite late in my 20s, compared to an awful lot of people who are further ahead of me, younger," he said. "Not that it’s a natural progression. I feel very, very fortunate and very blessed. It has sort of happened gradually. But, the last bit of it -- the trip into being far more on the radar -- has been very sudden and there are interesting things that go with that, aren’t there?" 
 
Cumberbatch continued, "Existing in a public space with any kind of private dimension is a fun game to play. That involves hats and glasses, and just trying to keep a low profile, by whatever means, with an Inspector Clouseau disguise or not. I’m having a great time, and it’s just offering me the opportunity to do fantastic work and be in the company of great people and do incredible scripts. I’m really happy."
 
Also upcoming on Cumberbatch's cinematic platter is a vocal turn in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit," but he wasn't asked about that Smaug-y role, so he said less-than-nothing about it.
 
The imaginary lawyer over Cumberbatch's shoulder made a second appearance at the end of the "Sherlock" press conference to prevent the actor from confirming or denying his commitment to a third season.
 
"You might see that it’s quite hard for me to make it back, after the end of the last episode," Cumberbatch teased.
 
But he concluded, "I'd like to."
 
"Sherlock," which just premiered Across the Pond, returns to PBS on Sunday, May 6.
Dan-feinberg-sm
Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor
A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.
Related Searches: TCA 2012, Television Critics Association Press Tour, Star Trek, Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch

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  • Default-avatar

    Magnew

    "Over The Moon" is a British phrase. It basically means that he is delighted and is similar to, though less romantic then, "On Cloud 9"

    January 5, 2012 at 7:44PM EST Reply to Comment

    • MagneW - The attempt to tie the comment into his "Star Trek" role was a wee joke...

      -Daniel

      January 5, 2012 at 7:52PM EST
    • Default-avatar

      Magnew Ha, well in that case forgive me and carry on the good work sir!

      January 5, 2012 at 8:05PM EST

    • One of my favourite American Dad throwaway lines:
      "See! She's over the moon!" "Well, I don't know as much about astronomy as you, but I'm worried about our little girl."

      January 5, 2012 at 8:17PM EST
  • Default-avatar

    briguyx

    Considering how much I'm looking forward to more "Sherlock," it wouldn't have killed you to add a tidbit or two about that!

    January 6, 2012 at 4:07AM EST Reply to Comment
  • Default-avatar

    s

    On a related note, did you get to see any new eps of Sherlock. Folks across the pond are saying the first ep is very very good. Curious on you opinion....

    January 6, 2012 at 5:46AM EST Reply to Comment

    • S- Haven't seen anything (other than a few clips) from the new season... But I'm sure Sepinwall and I will cover it come May!

      -Daniel

      January 6, 2012 at 11:36AM EST
    • Default-avatar

      Natalie @s if you take an anonymous internet opinion - it's brilliant. so, soooo much stronger than first season.

      January 8, 2012 at 5:57PM EST

    • regarding the new episodes of SHERLOCK that are airing in the UK, i have been watching and they are definitely just as strong, if not stronger, as the first season. very plummy roles, fun, etc. without spoiling it for folks, there is some dipping into some of the Sherlock lore in clever ways. such fun!

      January 10, 2012 at 10:31PM EST
  • Default-avatar

    Ken Raining

    He's a talented guy and all, but my God is that the most preposterous name in the world.

    January 7, 2012 at 6:32PM EST Reply to Comment

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