Benedict Cumberbatch admits non-binary ‘Zoolander 2’ character “backfired”
nme.comBenedict Cumberbatch has reflected on playing a non-binary role in Zoolander 2, admitting that it “backfired”.The Marvel actor played the role of model All in the 2016 sequel, which drew a huge backlash at the time and a petition launched to boycott the film gained over 25,000 signatures.Reflecting on taking the role during a chat with fellow Zoolander 2 star Penelope Cruz as part of Variety‘s Actors On Actors series, Cumberbatch admitted he wouldn’t take the part if it were offered today.“There was a lot of contention around the role, understandably now,” he recalled. “And I think in this era, my role would never be performed by anybody other than a trans actor.“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.“But it backfired a little bit,” Cumberbatch added.
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