Although the plotting of his Khan character left a bit to be desired in Star Trek Into Darkness, Benedict Cumberbatch‘s reign in Hollywood will continue with roles in this year’s The Fifth Estate, 12 Years a Slave, August: Osage County and Peter Jackson‘s next Hobbit film. Today brings an update on two of his upcoming potential projects.
First up, The Wrap reports that Cumberbatch is being looked at for a biopic on early cinema pioneer Eadweard Muybridge. Titled Flying Horse, the film is to be the next directorial and writing vehicle for Gary Oldman and it may not only be a Tinker Tailor re-team, but also a Harry Potter one, as Ralph Fiennes is also in the mix for the role of Muybridge.
If one has taken a single early film studies class, they’ve likely seen his short films, capturing animals (and other subjects) in motion. However, less is publicized regarding a 1874 murder Muybridge committed against his wife and her lover (to possibly be played by Cumberbatch), an event that is said to have haunted the man for his entire life. No actors have been officially signed yet, but check back as further information arrives.
In a smaller bit of Cumberbatch-related news, Daily Mail is reporting that the actor will be joined by Matthew Goode (Stoker, Watchmen) in the Alan Turing biopic, The Imitation Game. Also starring Keira Knightley, the film will mark Norwegian director Morten Tyldum‘s English-language debut and Goode has the role of fellow code-breaker Hugh Alexander lined up. As we await more details, check out fascinating one-hour look at Muybridge’s story below.
What do you think of Oldman’s next directorial gig? Are you looking forward to Cumberbatch and Goode breaking code together?