Benedict Cumberbatch defends ‘The Fifth Estate’ says ‘I would do it again’

While promoting The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, star Benedict Cumberbatch was asked about his “bomb” of a film earlier this year: The Fifth Estate.

The-Fifth-Estate Benedict Cumberbatch as Julian Assange “[It was] an amazing character, an extraordinary role, and a really fascinating story,” he explained to Yahoo Movies UK, “No one has a crystal ball when they’re making a film. I don’t choose roles to get fame or recognition or riches, I choose them because I’m interested in getting as much variety, both with who I work with and what I work on, so I wouldn’t change the decision to do that.”

Centering on Julian Assange and the development of WikiLeaks, the film never seemed to find an audience and is considered one of the biggest box office flops of the year.

Cumberbatch, who found success as the villain in Star Trek Into Darkness, doesn’t put too much thought into the business side of acting.

“I’m not into the science of it, I’m very new to it I guess. There’s a huge amount of business involved, so who knows? I’m really proud of it and really proud of my work in it and I think I would do it again, definitely.”

The Fifth Estate only grossed $8.55 million worldwide on a budget of $28 million. (Source)

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Stephen Nevets - Stephen is a contributor and writer on The Dispatch. Stephen is the founder and editor for the Steven Spielberg Fan Club website and contributes to pop culture stories on The Dispatch, especially upcoming movie news. Beginning in 2016, Stephen took the role of Managing Editor for the Tampa Dispatch.