Benedict Cumberbatch’s Career: From ‘Sherlock’ to ‘The Phoenician Scheme’

Benedict Cumberbatch is a classically trained English actor celebrated for his remarkable range, distinctive voice, and compelling screen presence. He began his career in theater before moving into television and film, where he quickly gained recognition for portraying brilliant, complex, and often eccentric characters. His early work in British productions showcased a depth and intelligence that would become his trademark.

His international breakthrough came with the title role in the series ‘Sherlock’, which turned him into a global superstar. He successfully transitioned to Hollywood, taking on major roles in blockbuster franchises, independent dramas, and prestigious bi-pics. Cumberbatch’s career is marked by his fearless choice of roles, from iconic superheroes to tortured historical figures, earning him numerous awards and establishing him as one of the most respected actors of his generation.

‘To Kill a King’ (2003)

In one of his earliest film appearances, Cumberbatch had a small role in this historical drama about the English Civil War. The film centers on the complex relationship between Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax after their victory over King Charles I.

Cumberbatch played an unnamed Royalist, a supporter of the defeated king. The minor part was an early step into period dramas, a genre in which he would later become a prominent figure.

‘Hawking’ (2004)

Cumberbatch delivered his first major leading performance in this television film. He portrayed the world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking during his early years as a PhD student at Cambridge University, chronicling his groundbreaking work and the onset of his motor neuron disease.

The role was a significant breakthrough that earned him his first BAFTA TV Award nomination. His sensitive and transformative performance was widely praised by critics and demonstrated his ability to portray extraordinary real-life individuals.

‘Starter for 10’ (2006)

In this British comedy-drama, Cumberbatch played the uptight and pedantic Patrick Watts. The film follows a working-class university student who joins a team for the popular quiz show ‘University Challenge’. Patrick is the team’s original, highly-strung captain.

The role allowed Cumberbatch to showcase his comedic timing. He was hilarious as the nerdy and condescending quiz captain, creating a memorable character in an ensemble cast of rising British stars.

‘Amazing Grace’ (2006)

Cumberbatch portrayed the real-life figure William Pitt the Younger in this historical drama. The film tells the story of William Wilberforce’s decades-long campaign to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire, with Pitt being his close friend and political ally.

As the young Prime Minister, Cumberbatch conveyed both the weight of leadership and the personal loyalty to his friend’s cause. His strong supporting performance was a key part of the film’s acclaimed ensemble.

‘Stuart: A Life Backwards’ (2007)

In this acclaimed television film, Cumberbatch starred opposite Tom Hardy. He played Alexander Masters, a writer and charity worker who befriends Stuart Shorter, a charismatic and troubled homeless man. The story is told in reverse chronological order to uncover the roots of Stuart’s trauma.

Cumberbatch played the story’s narrator and anchor, providing a compassionate and grounded performance. The film was praised for its powerful storytelling and the incredible chemistry between its two leads.

‘Atonement’ (2007)

In this Oscar-winning romantic war drama, Cumberbatch played the villainous Paul Marshall. He is a wealthy chocolate magnate whose assault on a young girl is wrongly blamed on another man, setting the film’s tragic events in motion.

Though his screen time was limited, the role was dark and impactful. His portrayal of the privileged and predatory Marshall was unsettling and demonstrated his versatility in playing unlikable characters.

‘The Last Enemy’ (2008)

Cumberbatch took the lead role in this five-part BBC miniseries. He played Stephen Ezard, a reclusive mathematician who returns to London after his brother’s death and finds himself caught in a government conspiracy involving a powerful surveillance system.

He delivered a compelling performance as a man struggling to navigate a world of paranoia and distrust. The role of an isolated genius was a precursor to some of his most famous characters.

‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ (2008)

In this historical drama about the rivalry between Anne and Mary Boleyn, Cumberbatch played William Carey. His character is the first husband of Mary Boleyn, who is forced to give up his wife when she becomes the mistress of King Henry VIII.

In a supporting role, he effectively portrayed a man whose life is upended by the ambitions of more powerful people. The film placed him in another high-profile period piece with a star-studded cast.

‘Agatha Christie’s Marple’ (2009)

Cumberbatch appeared in an installment of the popular British mystery series ‘Agatha Christie’s Marple’. He played Luke Fitzwilliam, a former police officer who investigates a series of mysterious deaths in a seemingly quiet English village.

The role of a handsome and intelligent investigator gave him a chance to work within the classic British “whodunnit” genre. His performance was a highlight of the television film.

‘Small Island’ (2009)

In this two-part BBC television drama, Cumberbatch played Bernard Bligh. The story, adapted from Andrea Levy’s novel, follows the interconnected lives of Jamaican immigrants and Londoners in the years after World War II. Bernard is a reserved Englishman whose wife falls in love with another man while he is away at war.

Cumberbatch gave a sensitive performance as a quiet and heartbroken man struggling to adjust to his new reality. The role showcased his ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety.

‘Creation’ (2009)

This biographical drama tells the story of Charles Darwin as he struggles to write his revolutionary book ‘On the Origin of Species’. Cumberbatch played Joseph Dalton Hooker, a botanist and Darwin’s closest friend.

As Hooker, he provided the encouragement and scientific support that Darwin needed to complete his work. The supporting role put him alongside Paul Bettany in another thoughtful period drama.

‘Burlesque Fairytales’ (2009)

In this independent fantasy film set in a 1930s London theatre, Cumberbatch played Henry Clark. His character is one of several patrons who become trapped in the theatre and are forced to watch a series of strange stage acts.

The film was a quirky, stylized project that showcased a more experimental side of his work. His performance contributed to the film’s surreal and claustrophobic atmosphere.

‘Four Lions’ (2010)

Cumberbatch had a small but memorable role in this dark comedy about a group of inept homegrown terrorists. He played Ed, a police negotiator who tries to reason with the main characters during a tense standoff.

His performance as the flustered and overly cautious negotiator was a hilarious highlight of the film’s third act. The role demonstrated his sharp comedic skills in a critically acclaimed and controversial satire.

‘Van Gogh: Painted with Words’ (2010)

Cumberbatch portrayed the legendary artist Vincent van Gogh in this feature-length docudrama. The script was sourced entirely from the letters exchanged between Van Gogh and his brother Theo, offering an intimate look into the artist’s mind.

He delivered a powerful and immersive performance, capturing Van Gogh’s passion, genius, and mental anguish. The role earned him critical acclaim for his raw and emotional portrayal.

‘Third Star’ (2010)

In this emotional independent film, Cumberbatch played the lead role of James. His character is a young man terminally ill with cancer who takes one last trip with his three best friends to his favorite beach in Wales.

The film was a poignant and heartbreaking story about friendship and mortality. Cumberbatch’s performance was praised for its honesty and vulnerability, anchoring the film with a powerful sense of grace and humor.

‘The Whistleblower’ (2010)

In this political thriller based on a true story, Cumberbatch had a supporting role as Nick Kaufman. The film stars Rachel Weisz as a police officer who uncovers a human trafficking ring in post-war Bosnia. Kaufman is an internal affairs officer who is unsympathetic to her cause.

The role was small but effective, casting him as a bureaucratic obstacle. He convincingly portrayed a man more concerned with institutional procedure than with justice.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

Cumberbatch shot to global stardom as the title character in this modern-day adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. His portrayal of Sherlock Holmes as a high-functioning sociopath with brilliant deductive skills and a sharp wit was a cultural phenomenon.

The role perfectly utilized his talent for playing intelligent, arrogant, and complex characters. His dynamic chemistry with Martin Freeman’s Dr. Watson was central to the show’s success, which earned him numerous awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor.

‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ (2011)

In this tense Cold War espionage thriller, Cumberbatch played Peter Guillam, the trusted right-hand man to spymaster George Smiley. Guillam is tasked with helping Smiley uncover a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of the British secret service.

He delivered a superb supporting performance, conveying the constant paranoia and emotional toll of the spy game. The role placed him in a prestigious ensemble cast of Britain’s finest actors.

‘Wreckers’ (2011)

Cumberbatch starred in this independent drama as David, a man who moves back to his childhood village with his wife to start a family. Their peaceful new life is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of David’s troubled younger brother.

The film is an intense psychological drama that explores family secrets and lies. Cumberbatch’s performance as a man torn between his wife and his brother was praised for its emotional complexity.

‘War Horse’ (2011)

In Steven Spielberg’s epic war drama, Cumberbatch played Major Jamie Stewart. His character is a British cavalry officer who leads a heroic but disastrous charge against a German machine gun encampment during World War I.

Although his role was part of a larger ensemble, his performance was memorable. He effectively captured the bravery and aristocratic confidence of a military leader facing the brutal realities of modern warfare.

‘Parade’s End’ (2012)

Cumberbatch took on the lead role of Christopher Tietjens in this five-part HBO and BBC miniseries. Set before, during, and after World War I, the story follows an honorable English aristocrat caught in a destructive love triangle with his cruel wife and a young suffragette.

He gave a masterful performance as a man clinging to an outdated code of morals in a rapidly changing world. The role earned him an Emmy nomination and was praised as one of the finest and most complex portrayals of his career.

‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ (2013)

Cumberbatch played the main antagonist, Khan Noonien Singh, in this sci-fi sequel. Khan is a genetically engineered superhuman who wages a one-man war against Starfleet. He is a physically imposing and intellectually brilliant villain.

His portrayal of Khan was praised for its intensity and commanding screen presence. The role cemented his status as a major Hollywood star capable of playing formidable blockbuster villains.

’12 Years a Slave’ (2013)

In this Best Picture Oscar-winning film, Cumberbatch played William Prince Ford. He is the first slave owner of the main character, Solomon Northup. Ford is portrayed as a relatively kind man who is still a participant in the brutal system of slavery.

The role was complex, showing a man with a conscience who ultimately fails to act on it. His nuanced performance was a key part of the film’s powerful depiction of the horrors of slavery.

‘The Fifth Estate’ (2013)

Cumberbatch took on the challenging lead role of Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks. The film chronicles the website’s early days and its explosive rise to prominence after releasing classified government documents.

He underwent a significant physical transformation to play Assange and masterfully captured his unique mannerisms and intense ideology. Despite the film’s mixed reviews, Cumberbatch’s performance was widely acclaimed.

‘August: Osage County’ (2013)

In this drama based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Cumberbatch was part of a large ensemble cast. He played “Little” Charles Aiken, a gentle but clumsy man who is secretly in love with his first cousin.

His character provides some of the film’s more tender and awkward moments. The role showed his ability to hold his own and make an impact alongside a cast of acting legends like Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.

‘The Imitation Game’ (2014)

Cumberbatch portrayed the brilliant mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing. The film focuses on Turing’s crucial work in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II and his later persecution for his homosexuality.

The performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He delivered a deeply moving portrayal of a misunderstood genius, capturing Turing’s intellectual prowess, social awkwardness, and inner turmoil.

‘Penguins of Madagascar’ (2014)

In this animated spin-off from the ‘Madagascar’ films, Cumberbatch voiced the character of Classified. He is a suave and serious wolf who is the leader of an elite undercover task force of animals called the North Wind.

The role was a purely comedic one that allowed him to play with the trope of a super-spy. His voice performance as the arrogant but competent wolf was a hilarious highlight of the family-friendly film.

‘Black Mass’ (2015)

In this crime drama about the Boston gangster Whitey Bulger, Cumberbatch played William “Billy” Bulger. He was Whitey’s brother, who was a powerful and respected State Senator, creating a complex dynamic of family loyalty and public service.

With a convincing Boston accent, Cumberbatch portrayed a man who navigated the worlds of politics and crime. The supporting role once again demonstrated his skill at disappearing into historical figures.

‘Doctor Strange in the MCU’ (2016-present)

Cumberbatch joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon who becomes a Master of the Mystic Arts after a career-ending accident. He has played the character in multiple films, including ‘Doctor Strange’, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, ‘Avengers: Endgame’, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, and ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’.

The role made him a central figure in one of the world’s biggest movie franchises. His portrayal of the Sorcerer Supreme, blending arrogance with wisdom and humor, has become iconic and a fan favorite.

‘The Child in Time’ (2017)

Cumberbatch starred in and produced this television film adapted from an Ian McEwan novel. He played Stephen Lewis, a successful children’s author whose life is shattered when his young daughter disappears from a supermarket.

The film is a powerful and emotional study of grief and loss. Cumberbatch delivered a raw and heartbreaking performance as a man struggling to cope with an unimaginable tragedy.

‘The Current War’ (2017)

In this historical drama, Cumberbatch portrayed the inventor Thomas Edison. The film centers on the “war of the currents” in the late 19th century, depicting the fierce competition between Edison and George Westinghouse over whose electrical system would power the modern world.

As Edison, he portrayed a man of incredible genius but also immense arrogance. The role continued his fascination with playing brilliant and difficult historical figures, and he also served as an executive producer on the film.

‘The Grinch’ (2018)

Cumberbatch lent his voice to the title character in this animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic story. He portrayed the Grinch, a cynical and grumpy creature who plots to ruin Christmas for the cheerful residents of Whoville.

His vocal performance gave the character a slightly more sympathetic and less menacing personality than previous versions. He brought both humor and a touch of vulnerability to the iconic holiday grump.

‘Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle’ (2018)

In this darker adaptation of ‘The Jungle Book’, Cumberbatch provided the voice and motion capture for the villainous tiger, Shere Khan. His character is a ferocious and menacing predator who relentlessly hunts the human child, Mowgli.

Using his deep and powerful voice, Cumberbatch created a truly terrifying antagonist. His performance captured the tiger’s raw, savage nature, making him a formidable threat throughout the film.

‘1917’ (2019)

In Sam Mendes’ Oscar-winning World War I epic, Cumberbatch had a brief but crucial role. He played Colonel Mackenzie, a cynical and battle-weary officer who is on the verge of sending his men into a German trap.

He appears in the film’s final, climactic scene. His performance powerfully conveyed the immense pressure and despair of a commander forced to make impossible decisions on the front lines.

‘The Courier’ (2020)

Cumberbatch starred as Greville Wynne in this Cold War spy thriller based on a true story. Wynne was an ordinary British businessman who was recruited by MI6 to act as a courier, smuggling intelligence out of the Soviet Union.

He underwent a dramatic physical transformation to portray Wynne’s eventual capture and imprisonment. His performance as an unlikely hero caught in extraordinary circumstances was widely praised by critics.

‘The Mauritanian’ (2021)

In this legal drama based on a true story, Cumberbatch played military prosecutor Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch. His character is assigned to prosecute a Guantanamo Bay detainee but begins to question the case when he uncovers evidence of torture.

As both an actor and producer on the film, Cumberbatch delivered a powerful performance as a man of principle whose conscience forces him to challenge his own side.

‘The Power of the Dog’ (2021)

Cumberbatch received his second Academy Award nomination for his role as Phil Burbank in this Western drama. He played a charismatic but cruel and menacing rancher in 1920s Montana whose toxic masculinity hides a deep and secret pain.

His performance was a tour de force, with critics hailing it as one of the best of his career. He completely embodied the complex and intimidating character, delivering a subtle and deeply layered portrayal.

‘The Electrical Life of Louis Wain’ (2021)

Cumberbatch took on the title role in this biographical film about the eccentric English artist Louis Wain. Wain was known for his surreal and often psychedelic paintings of cats. The film follows his life, work, and struggles with mental health.

He gave a whimsical and heartbreaking performance, capturing Wain’s quirky genius and tragic decline. The role allowed him to fully embrace his talent for playing brilliant and unconventional outsiders.

‘What If…?’ (2021-present)

Cumberbatch reprised his role as Doctor Strange in this animated Marvel series, which explores alternate timelines in the multiverse. He voiced a darker, more powerful version of the character known as Doctor Strange Supreme, who destroys his own universe out of grief.

His voice performance was powerful and tragic, showing a completely different side to his iconic character. The role was a highlight of the series and a fan favorite.

‘The End We Start From’ (2023)

In this survival thriller, Cumberbatch took on a supporting role. The film stars Jodie Comer as a new mother trying to find her way home with her baby as London is submerged by catastrophic floods.

As an executive producer and actor in the film, he played a small but impactful part in the story. His involvement helped bring the intimate and terrifying climate-change drama to the screen.

‘The Book of Clarence’ (2023)

Cumberbatch made a brief appearance in this biblical comedy-drama. The film follows a man in Jerusalem who tries to capitalize on the rising fame of Jesus Christ. Cumberbatch appears as a beggar who miraculously receives a new body.

The unexpected role was a fun and surprising part of the film. It showed his willingness to take on small, unusual roles in interesting projects.

‘Eric’ (2024)

Cumberbatch starred in this psychological thriller miniseries. He played Vincent Anderson, a grieving father and puppeteer in 1980s New York whose son goes missing. He becomes convinced that he can bring his son back by getting a puppet character, a large blue monster named Eric, on television.

He delivered an intense and harrowing performance as a man spiraling into delusion and despair. The dual role, in which he also voiced the gruff monster Eric, was critically acclaimed as a showcase for his incredible range.

‘The Thing with Feathers’ (2025)

Cumberbatch is set to star in this upcoming family drama. The film is about a couple who struggle to cope after their apparently perfect teenage daughter attempts to take her own life.

The project promises to be an emotional and challenging film. His role as a father dealing with an unimaginable family crisis is highly anticipated.

‘The Phoenician Scheme’ (2025)

Cumberbatch appears in this black-comedy thriller from acclaimed director Wes Anderson. The film features a star-studded ensemble cast and is described as a spy story with a complex, mysterious plot.

He plays the role of Uncle Nubar, a key figure in the narrative. The movie marks his first feature-film collaboration with Wes Anderson and was one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Which of Benedict Cumberbatch’s many brilliant characters stands out the most to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.