Last week, The Hollywood Reporter passed on the disappointing news that Benedict Cumberbatch has withdrawn from Guillermo Del Toro‘s Crimson Peak. One line of their story seems particularly relevant right now:
No reason for his departure was given, although sources say his exit is not due to another project.
According to Film Chronicles, who focus almost exclusively on reviews, interviews and well-sourced content rather than speculation or rumours, Cumberbatch has been cast in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. As you may recall, Episode VII and Crimson Peak are set to be in production at just the same time.
I should think that the typically reserved Film Chronicles must have a pretty solid source if they’re sticking their neck out like this. Their headline is as bold as you can imagine:
Benedict Cumberbatch is in Star Wars VII
Even when reading between the lines of their story, though, I can’t quite work out what their source might be. The cynic in me might wonder if it has anything to do with Star Trek Into Darkness hitting DVD and Blu-ray in the UK right now.
At the same time, there’s a well-vocalised rumour sweeping social media and bubbling between various online film blogs that a big, official casting announcement for the Star Wars sequel is coming and any moment now. Quieter whispers have associated a number of names to this announcement, including Cumberbatch, but also Dane DeHaan and even Leonardo DiCaprio.
Some interesting prospects there, of course, but right now I’d say it’s looking fairly likely that Cumberbatch will be the one off to that galaxy far, far way in just a few months from now.