Benedict Cumberbatch’s film and television career is a testament to his exceptional acting prowess. The actor made his mark on the small screen with appearances in shows like ‘Heartbeat,’ ‘Silent Witness,’ and ‘Fortysomething’ before gaining widespread recognition as Stephen Hawking in the television film ‘Hawking’ in 2004. However, it was his iconic portrayal of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes in the critically acclaimed series ‘Sherlock’ that earned him global stardom.
Cumberbatch’s filmography is equally impressive, encompassing a wide range of roles, from the enigmatic Khan Noonien Singh in ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ to the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing in ‘The Imitation Game,’ which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He has also made his mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the charismatic Doctor Strange. With his exceptional talent and diverse roles, the actor is going to continue to captivate audiences on both the big and small screens in his future projects as well. Here is a list of all the upcoming films and TV shows of Benedict Cumberbatch!
1. The Roses (2025)
Directed by Jay Roach for Searchlight Pictures, ‘The Roses’ is written by Tony McNamara, who adapted it from Warren Adler‘s novel. The film is a reimagining of the 1989 classic ‘The War of the Roses’ and centers on Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch), the picture-perfect couple whose family life topples after Theo’s career takes a hit and his dreams come crumbling down. The film co-stars Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Sunita Mani, and Hala Finley. It is currently in its post-production phase and will be released on February 28, 2025.
2. Avengers Films (2026-2027)
While Cumberbatch is expected to reprise his role as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars,’ Marvel cut ties with Jonathan Majors, who was supposed to play Kang the Conqueror, the main villain. Now, Robert Downey Jr. will return to the MCU as Doctor Doom, the new villain of Phase 6. While the plot and casting details have been kept under wraps, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ will both be directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is currently under pre-production and is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2026, while ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ is in development and will be released on May 7, 2027.
3. There’s a Hole in My Bucket (TBA)
Directed by Robert Cavanah and narrated by Cumberbatch, this documentary follows Royd Tolkien, who attempts to complete a bucket list of 50 challenges in New Zealand. The list was left for him by his brother Mike, whom he nursed through the former’s final stages of a form of motor neurone disease until he died on 28 January 28, 2015, aged just 39. For those of you wondering why a documentary is being made on these boys, you should know that they are the great-grandsons of JRR Tolkien, author of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ The documentary has completed production, but we have yet to get a release date.
4. The Thing with Feathers (TBA)
Cumberbatch stars as a young father dealing with his wife’s death, along with his two sons, in ‘The Thing With Feathers.’ Cumberbatch’s character’s life gets turned around when a strange presence named “Crow” starts to stalk him from the shadowy recesses of his apartment. We also have David Thewlis, who plays the Crow, and Adam Basil, who plays the Demon. The rest of the cast includes Sam Spruell, Tim Plester, and Jessie Cave. The film, based on Max Porter’s novel ‘Grief is the Thing With Feathers,’ is directed by Dylan Southern. The project is currently in post-production, but no release date has been attached yet.
5. The Phoenician Scheme (TBA)
Wes Anderson will soon be back with his next surreal venture starring Bill Murray, Michael Cera, Benicio del Toro, and Mia Threapleton. Cumberbatch, as per the latest reports, is a new addition along with Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Rupert Friend, and Willem Dafoe. Other co-stars include Tom Hanks, Michael Cera, and Mia Threapleton. With such a talented cast and Wes Anderson’s filmography, we can easily expect ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ to be another mind-bending movie. Anderson has also co-written the story with Roman Coppola. The film will explore a strained father-daughter relationship within their family business, underscored by twists revolving around betrayal and morally gray choices. The film is in its post-production state and will be released in Germany on February 13, 2025. A release date for the US is eagerly awaited.
6. Morning (TBA)
‘Morning’ is a sci-fi film that follows a society that has put away the need for sleep with the invention of a pill and artificial sun. When there is no end to morning daylight, living, and work, the younger generation of society considers rebelling to reclaim their dreams. Cumberbatch executive produces the project and stars in it as Frank, along with Laura Dern, Noah Jupe, and Naomi Ackie. The film, helmed by Justin Kurzel and written by Sam Steiner, is currently under pre-production.
7. How to Stop Time (TBA)
‘How to Stop Time’ is a 6-part thriller series about a man who can live for centuries without aging a single day. Cumberbatch plays Tom Hazard, who has lived for more than 600 years, only to get caught in a secret war. Based on Matt Haig’s eponymous novel, the show is adapted for the screen by D.C. Moore. Tomas Alfredson is set to direct the series, with Cumberbatch starring in the lead and producing the project. The rest of the cast is yet to be revealed. Production was supposed to take place in London and Europe in 2024, but this has yet to be confirmed. More details are awaited.
8. Wife & Dog (TBA)
Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, and Anthony Hopkins have been cast in Guy Richie’s next aristocratic film, ‘Wife & Dog.’ Ritchie wrote the true-events-based screenplay, which centers on a brilliant scientist who uncovers a leading pesticide’s toxicity, igniting a battle against its powerful manufacturer amid rising paranoia and anger. As per reports, the film will see Ritchie return to the colorful, backstabbing world of the British upper classes, a subject he explored in ‘The Gentlemen’ film and TV series. Currently in its nascent stages, ‘Wife & Dog’ has a long way to fruition.
9. The Hood (TBA)
‘The Hood’ follows a farmer who becomes the leader of a rebellion against the Crown (14-year-old King Richard II) during the Peasants Revolt in 14th-century England. Cumberbatch is currently the only star attached to the project. The actor’s character is expected to remind us of the protagonists of ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Gladiator.’ The drama film, directed and written by Paul Greengrass, is currently under development, and its release date has yet to be announced.
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