Benedict Cumberbatch Recalls Backlash Over Zoolander 2 Role

Benedict CumberbatchHe knows about the controversy over his character Zoolander 2.

In the 2016 comedy—a box office and critical flop—the Doctor Strange actor plays a non-binary, long-haired, eyebrow-less model named All.

“There was a lot of contention around the role, understandably now,” the actor told fellow Zoolander 2Star Penélope Cruz, during Variety‘s Actors for Actors series. It would have never been performed in this era by anyone other than trans actors.

Cumberbatch continued, “But I remember at the time not thinking of it necessarily in that regard, and it being more about two dinosaurs, two heteronormative clichés not understanding this new, diverse world. It kinda backfired, though.

It was an amazing experience, despite the controversy. “It was lovely meeting you and working with you.” Ben [Stiller]And Owen [Wilson]He said, “And the crazyness of that movie, being such an enormous fan of it.”