Benedict Cumberbatch regrets playing non-binary ‘Zoolander 2’ role
Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch has expressed regret over a screen role he now says he “wouldn’t do” again. In Ben Stiller’s 2016 comedy Zoolander 2, Cumberbatch played All, a character described as a non-binary fashion model.
“It’s a difficult one to talk about,” the British actor said in a video interview with Variety, as reported by People. “I’ve had to apologise for that quite a lot,” he added when asked if he recalled one of his lines in Zoolander 2.
The character’s introduction in a 2015 trailer had sparked backlash from LGBTQ activists, who criticized the film’s treatment of gender-related jokes surrounding the character.
Cumberbatch spoke fondly of the creative team behind the film, saying, “I love that group of people,” referring to director and star Ben Stiller, co-stars Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, and others who reunited after the success of the original Zoolander in 2001. He recalled that being part of a project connected to an iconic film was a chance he cherished.
However, reflecting on the role he played, Cumberbatch admitted, “It got complicated and it got misunderstood and I upset people. And I respect that, so I probably wouldn’t do that again now.”
In a 2022 Variety interview, Zoolander 2 co-star Penelope Cruz acknowledged the controversy, noting that in today’s climate her role would only be performed by a trans actor. Last April, Ben Stiller himself mentioned in an interview with People that the negative reaction to the film’s sequel was “blindsiding.” He added, “What scared me the most on that one was losing what I think is funny—the questioning of yourself … It definitely affected me for a long time.”
Cumberbatch continues to work on various screen projects, including Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme and Jay Roach’s The Roses. Over his career, he has received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA TV Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award, along with nominations for two Academy Awards and four Golden Globes.
