Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Benedict Cumberbatch has said it “backfired” when he played a non-binary character in Zoolander 2.
Speaking with Penelope Cruz, who also starred in the movie, for Variety, the Doctor Strange actor addressed the backlash to his casting.
He said: “There was a lot of contention around the role, understandably now. And I think in this era, my role would never be performed by anybody other than a trans actor.”
Cumberbatch added: “But I remember at the time not thinking of it necessarily in that regard, and it being more about two dinosaurs, two heteronormative clichés not understanding this new diverse world. But it backfired a little bit.”
He finished by adding that he enjoyed working with the cast: “But it was lovely to meet you in that brief moment and to work with Ben and Owen.”
Cumberbatch’s casting, as well as the film, were criticised by LGBT activists for its jokes about trans people and for not using a trans actor to play a trans character.
A petition that circulated at the time and reached over 25,000 signatures said: “By hiring a cis actor to play a nonbinary individual in a clearly negative way, they film endorses harmful and dangerous perceptions of the queer community at large.”
Cumberbatch can currently be seen in Spider-Man: No Way Home where he reprises his role as Doctor Strange. He also appears in acclaimed Netflix drama, The Power of the Dog.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments