Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch rules out roles in Star Wars and Doctor Who

The actor dashed fans' hopes at a convention in Australia

Neela Debnath
Sunday 13 April 2014 13:50 BST
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Benedict Cumberbatch is best known for this roles in Sherlock and Star Trek
Benedict Cumberbatch is best known for this roles in Sherlock and Star Trek

Science fiction fans were left doubly disappointed over the weekend after Benedict Cumberbatch announced that he would not be starring in the new Star Wars films or playing any part in Doctor Who.

Speaking at the Oz Comic Con in Sydney, Australia yesterday, Cumberbatch said that he would not be taking part in either of the franchises.

According to the entertainment site The Iris, which was live-tweeting from the event, the 37-year-old actor told the audience “I would've liked a part in JJ's [Abrams] new Star Wars but it won't happen sadly.”

Cumberbatch then delivered another crushing blow during the question and answer session by dismissing any rumours he would be starring in Doctor Who.

“I’m never gonna play The Doctor and nothing to do with the Whoniverse.”

The news may come as a disappointment to fans of the British actor best-known for role as the modern day super-sleuth in Sherlock and Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness.

Cumberbatch was one of the names touted about when Matt Smith announced he would be leaving the role of the Time Lord last year.

Although writer Steven Moffat oversees both Sherlock and Doctor Who, Cumberbatch will not be playing a part in the latter.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, filming is now underway on Episode VII. The new Star Wars films will serve as a follow up to 1983’s Return of the Jedi and is being directed by JJ Abrams, who also helms the rebooted Star Trek films.

Some of the original cast members, including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher are rumoured to be reprising their roles, with Peter Mayhew now confirmed to be playing the loveable Wookie Chewbacca.

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While there is speculation that Girls star Adam Driver, Downton Abbey’s Ed Speelers and Lupita Nyong’o will also have roles in the forthcoming instalment.

Cumberbatch will next be starring as Richard III for a BBC production and will be taking to the stage in Hamlet next year.

Read more: Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch to play Richard III
Ben Miller to star alongside Peter Capaldi as Doctor Who villain

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