By Sabrina Zuluaga

On the Mail Online, Sherlock’s scriptwriter acknowledges that Benedict Cumberbatch’s rising stardom is making it difficult to make the show.

His stardom surely is making it problematic in that the fans are growing in their demand to see the latest episodes. Pressure, in this sense, is surely being put on the writers, director, and production.

However, worse outcomes have resulted from shows that were essentially under-appreciated and lacked stars with substantial celebrity statuses. For example, the show Nikita consisted of creative writing and a fitting cast dynamic; however, the lack of stardom surrounding the actors has led to fewer viewership which meant the show ended abruptly.

Furthermore, Cumberbatch does not have the same effect on his roles as Jamie Foxx had in the recent Amazing Spiderman 2. Foxx seems a bit too famous for the part as Max and Electro. His own, confident individual persona dominates his role as the shy, humble and dorky Max Dillon. However, Cumberbatch’s quirky, intelligent and even unconventional looks were fitting to the character to Sherlock’s character since the beginning of production. Therefore, no harm is done to the performances in Sherlock.

As well, although Steven Moffat and others from Sherlock were concerned with Cumberbatch’s looks, every starting actor on a project usually is not even recognized as being fundamentally attractive in the beginning; the elements of positive reviews and praise for the show add to the admiration for the show’s actors. A great example of this is present among musicians. Many do not seem physically attractive until we see them perform several times. Fame, talent, and art show how beauty is essentially not fixed but varies and is based on perception.

By Sabrina Zuluaga

The Guardian reports that it is likely that Benedict Cumberbatch will play Hamlet for 12 weeks in 2015 at the Barbican theatre in London; this information is still pending confirmation.

The characters of Sherlock and Hamlet seem to exude a kind of trend in their success for admiration: they struggle to sustain healthy, stable romances and are fundamentally single. We pity Sherlock and Hamlet for their visible times of painful loneliness. However, deep down there is an attraction to their lonesomeness.

The case may essentially be that the public –the fans—love single characters. As Jake Halpern acknowledges in Fame Junkies, fans obsess and hold para-social relationships towards celebrities in that they yearn and imagine there to be an intimate connection between them. Fans carry the hope and/or live off of the imagination that they can become romantically involved with Cumberbatch; this passion serves as a sense of escapism.

Therefore, it is no wonder that members of Justin Bieber’s fandom verbally attacked Selena Gomez online. It is no surprise that “Directioners” dedicate countless blog posts of hatred towards any female that is known to be involved with One Direction. Some hysterical fans may even prefer their favorite celebrities dead than romantically unavailable, in which case Hamlet will suffice.

By Sabrina Zuluaga

Benedict Cumberbatch interviews a series of the race car drivers at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix.

Besides Cumberbatch’s universal fame and origins from Europe, this is quite a random move to have him host brief interviews with the racers.

Benedict interviewing these drivers of the Monaco Grand Prix is somewhat absurd in regards to the power (or fame) structure. Usually the interviewer is neutral and someone behind the scenes who lacks fame. Instead, however, reporters are interviewing someone of particular specialty thus forming different apparent dynamics of power between the two. Therefore, considering the fame between these racers versus Cumberbatch, these interviews are almost equivalent to Obama interviewing Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly; why would they do that?

Although the Monaco Grand Prix is essentially one of the three most renowned racing events of the world, its notoriety does not merely compare to the publicity and hysteria revolving around Cumberbatch. A few minutes of Google or Tumblr could easily verify this point.

Fundamentally, the monotonous rule applies: any press is relatively good press. As random as the interviews are, Cumberbatch’s image profits from his reporting performance. He appears genuinely concerned for the drivers, speaks humbly, asks detailed questions, and is focused on his subjects. He even asks one of the racers if something is bothering his eye.

Whether or not the match-up was devised to grant the race or Cumberbatch more publicity, it was equally beneficial for both parties. His behavior and interaction gives the public more reasons to, nonetheless, adore him.

By Sabrina Zuluaga

Cumberbatch: The Celebrity, the Character, and the Ghost

When fans cannot get enough of musicians, models or actresses from their songs, movies, shows, or photographs, the celebrity’s individual life becomes a whole, separate source of entertainment; the star is the character and their life is a show with a unique and apparent intriguing storyline.

The press coverage on Cumberbatch is fundamentally clean and positive material. He is humorous, clean, humble, and thoughtful.

All the latest press has been building his “apparent” charismatic personality. We understood that he is posh and chic due to his appearance at the MET Gala. He apparently was even spending the afternoon with his mother recently. As well, he shies away at the paparazzi by raising his jacket or raising a napkin as a shield.

However, one has to question whether or not we will all be forgiving if Cumberbatch were to ever make a mistake or do something offensive in front of the public eye. It unfortunately seems to be ritual for public commentary to be less harsh towards men than women. Therefore, it is a presumably possible prediction for many of us to still find him likable. Furthermore, age and the severity of any kind of behavior must also be considered. Hollywood and fans can forgive substance abuse, but not necessarily the severe mistreatment of others. For example, Charlie Sheen’s abusive and drug-related behavior was forgiven. Severe, inappropriate behavior from Justin Bieber or Chris Brown was and is being overlooked. As well, age plays a factor. For example, as talented as Mel Gibson was, his outbursts and lack of young, endearing allure made it easy to drop him. Therefore, it is a complex mystery as to what awaits Cumberbatch’s future.

The Zeitgeist myth will always apply and does not exempt anyone – not even the Brits. Publicity and fame is transient. The positive hype towards Benedict is temporary before someone else comes along or if we grow tired of him. Therefore in 3-4 years, what will be next?

By: Sabrina Zuluaga

At The Hay Festival this weekend, The Radio Times reports that during an open questionnaire session with Jude Dench and the audience, Benedict Cumberbatch was among the crowd and asked he she would be in Richard III with him.

If Dench and Cumberbatch’s agents were looking for a loud, profound way to announce her involvement in Richard III, than this stunt was effective.

This, however, must have been a planned stunt because as famous and adored as Cumberbatch is, he is not Richard III (at least not yet); he does not have the authority over the casting list.

This move does, however, still hint at and represent the power at Cumberbatch’s fingertips. He has essentially developed into a force in the acting world. He has accumulated a grand fan-base, is surrounded by positive publicity, and is understood as a talented actor. His presence in any place or participation in any project can result in positive, fruitful consequences. Celebrities do carry their own reign.