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Benedict Cumberbatch on His Non-Binary Role in ‘Zoolander 2’
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has openly expressed his regret regarding his portrayal of a non-binary character in the film Zoolander 2. In recent statements, he acknowledged that he has “had to apologize” multiple times for the role, which was intended as comedic but ended up generating significant backlash.
An Unfortunate Misstep
According to a report from Variety, Cumberbatch, who is widely recognized for his roles as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and as Sherlock Holmes in the popular detective series, now reflects critically on his performance as the androgynous character named “All” in the 2016 sequel. The character’s introduction caused confusion and prompted stereotypical questions from other characters, amplifying the discomfort surrounding the portrayal.
The Scene That Sparked Controversy
In one of the film’s more memorable scenes, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson’s characters encounter “All.” Stiller’s character asks, “So… are you, like, a male model or a female model?” To this, Cumberbatch’s character responds, “All is not defined by binary constructs.” This dialogue, intended to be humorous, was criticized for its insensitivity toward non-binary identities.
Mixed Reactions
The portrayal was not well received by many audience members and critics alike. Cumberbatch admitted, “I’ve had to apologize for that quite a lot. It’s a difficult one to talk about. I love the community and wanted to be part of something iconic, but it got complicated, misunderstood, and ultimately upset people. I respect those feelings and probably wouldn’t take on that role again now.” This admission highlights the evolving conversations surrounding representation in film.
The Backlash and Boycott
Following the film’s release, a petition emerged, attracting 25,000 signatures, calling for a boycott of Zoolander 2 due to its “offensive representation of non-binary individuals.” Critics argued that Cumberbatch’s exaggerated performance mocked androgyne and non-binary identities, drawing parallels to extreme forms of racial misrepresentation, such as blackface.
A Call for Authentic Representation
Activists asserted that hiring a cisgender actor for this role contributed to harmful stereotypes about the queer community. The petition suggested that if the filmmakers aimed to provide thoughtful commentary on diversity in the fashion industry, they should have cast actual trans and non-binary individuals. Cumberbatch himself acknowledged this perspective, stating, “In this era, my role would never be performed by anybody other than a trans actor.”
Reflections on Change
Cumberbatch’s comments signal a broader understanding of casting practices and representation. In a reflection from 2022, he noted that he did not initially consider the implications of his role. He mentioned that it was more about two “dinosaurs” grappling with a changing world. However, he admitted, “It backfired a little bit.” This candid acknowledgment reveals the complexities artists face in portraying marginalized identities.
Moving Forward: Lessons Learned
Cumberbatch’s experience stands as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and authenticity in entertainment. As conversations about representation become more prominent, actors and filmmakers must consider the impact of their choices on diverse audiences. His journey indicates a willingness to learn and evolve, highlighting the significance of using one’s platform responsibly. Actors have the power to influence public perception and cultural narratives, and understanding the nuances is paramount.
Ultimately, Cumberbatch’s reflections on his past missteps underscore a crucial lesson for the film industry: representation and authenticity matter. The dialogue surrounding gender identity continues to evolve, and as it does, so must the approach to storytelling in cinema.
