Although there was circumstantial evidence that gave credence to it, Benedict Cumberbatch’s reps are denying that there is any truth to the weekend rumors that he has been cast in JJ Abrams’ upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII.
Speaking to the New York Daily News, an unnamed spokesperson for the actor stated –
There is no truth to the rumour Benedict has been cast in Star Wars. I think the rumors are circling because JJ and Benedict have just recently had a wonderful time working together on Star Trek.
In addition to the Abrams connection, the fact that Cumberbatch had recently dropped out of Guillermo Del Toro’s had been interpreted as the actor possibly freeing his schedule to participate in the film’s shooting. I suppose it was a reasonable leap to make, even though it turned out not to be true, though I suppose that it could be argued that this is all some more of the big misdirection that Abrams seems to be so fond of.
Of course none of it really matters, because if he was involved, they would deny it anyway, so the response is irrelevant.
Of course, why would Kahn cross over to the dark side?