Benedict Cumberbatch Reflects on Doctor Strange’s Future, His New Sundance Film, and Life Beyond Stardom

Zoe McConnell for Variety

Benedict Cumberbatch has never fit the mold of the typical Hollywood leading man, and he’s just fine with that. The 48-year-old actor has spent his career defying expectations, pivoting between blockbuster franchises and intimate, character-driven projects. In an exclusive interview, he opens up about his role in The Thing With Feathers, his plans for Doctor Strange, and the lessons that near-death experiences and fatherhood have taught him.

A New Chapter at Sundance

Courtesy of Sundance

Cumberbatch is gearing up for the Sundance premiere of The Thing With Feathers, a raw exploration of grief and familial responsibility. The film marks his return to the kind of emotionally demanding roles that have defined his career. Directed by Dylan Southern and adapted from Max Porter’s novella Grief Is the Thing With Feathers, the film follows a widowed father spiraling into despair while raising his two children.

“It shines a light on male grief,” Cumberbatch says. “You have a man grappling with work, raising kids, and his sense of self, all while being brutalized by grief. It’s deeply human and deeply challenging.”

Southern recalls how Cumberbatch’s intensity on set affected the crew. “During a scene where he puts away his late wife’s clothes, two crew members broke down in tears. It was a profoundly moving moment,” he says.

Cumberbatch, who also produced the film through his company SunnyMarch, views The Thing With Feathers as a continuation of his commitment to challenging, meaningful storytelling. SunnyMarch, which he co-founded in 2013, has backed projects like Patrick Melrose and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain. “These are urgent stories that we feel a need to tell,” he explains. “I often star in them to secure financing for these niche, art-house films that deserve to be seen.”

Doctor Strange Takes a Step Back

Disney

Cumberbatch’s association with Marvel has made him a household name, but he reveals that Doctor Strange will take a hiatus in Avengers: Doomsday (2026). “It’s about the character not aligning with this part of the story,” he shares, adding that Strange will play a significant role in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). “He’s quite central to where things might go. Marvel is collaborative, and they’re open to exploring what makes Strange evolve.”

Cumberbatch admits that balancing the demands of blockbuster films with more intimate projects like The Thing With Feathers can be challenging. “Tentpole films are brilliant, but they can feel stodgy at times. Smaller films offer a nimble, close-quarter experience that’s creatively fulfilling,” he says.

A Career Built on Contradictions

Zoe McConnell for Variety

From his breakout role in Sherlock to Oscar-nominated turns in The Imitation Game and The Power of the Dog, Cumberbatch has built a career on versatility. He thrives on projects that push him physically and emotionally, whether it’s losing 21 pounds for The Courier or learning to castrate a bull for The Power of the Dog.

“Everything he does is wholehearted,” says Jane Campion, who directed him in The Power of the Dog. “He’s vulnerable, yet fearless. He’s a super actor.”

Despite his critical acclaim, Cumberbatch is quick to downplay his stardom. “I’m not Brad, I’m not Leo,” he says. “I’m not sitting around thinking, ‘Why am I sexy?’ Fame is a byproduct of the work, not the goal.”

Lessons from Life and Death

Zoe McConnell for Variety

Cumberbatch’s grounded perspective stems from personal experiences, including a harrowing 2004 incident in South Africa where he was abducted and nearly killed. “It gave me a sense of time, but not necessarily in a good way,” he reflects. “It made me impatient to live a life less ordinary.”

Fatherhood has further reshaped his priorities. “The minute you have kids, time takes on a new meaning,” he says. “It’s sobering to realize how fast it goes. My youngest is turning six, and I think, ‘I’ll be in my 60s when he’s 21.’ That’s a huge shift in how I value my time.”

Looking Ahead

Zoe McConnell for Variety

With SunnyMarch, Cumberbatch hopes to emulate the thoughtful, auteur-driven approach of Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment. “We’re not in the volume business. We want to do more with less,” he says. The company’s upcoming projects include Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme and an adaptation of Matt Haig’s novel How to Stop Time.

Cumberbatch is also exploring new artistic horizons. After working with Anderson on The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, he’s eager to continue their collaboration. “Being on set with Wes was like film school,” he says. “I just wish I could build a time machine and work on all his earlier films.”

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As for directing, it’s an ambition he may one day pursue. “It’s daunting, but the idea of crafting something from the ground up is appealing,” he admits. “The question is: Can I step away from acting long enough to do it?”

A Legacy of Depth and Range

Zoe McConnell for Variety

Cumberbatch’s journey is a testament to his commitment to pushing boundaries, both as an actor and a producer. Whether portraying a grieving father, a calculating detective, or a mystical superhero, he brings a depth and intensity that continues to captivate audiences.

“It’s about making choices that scare me,” he says. “If it doesn’t challenge you, what’s the point?”

As he balances Marvel blockbusters with intimate dramas, Cumberbatch is carving out a career that defies easy categorization. And in doing so, he’s ensuring that his work — like time itself — remains invaluable.

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