Benedict Cumberbatch Enters Talks For ‘Lost City of Z’, ‘Star Wars’ Role Probably Not Happening

Benedict Cumberbatch fans may have something to worry about. The rumors that Cumberbatch was in talks to star in the next Star Wars film is pretty much destroyed by a new project that Cumberbatch is considering.

It was reported that Cumberbatch may be up to play a Sith Villain in J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII, but as quick as those rumors came, they may disappear just as fast if Cumberbatch is truly serious about entering Lost City of Z.

Lost City of Z originally had Brad Pitt attached to star back in 2008 before the star left the project in 2010. The film was left in pieces after the exit, but now it looks like director James Gray is looking to pick up the pieces with Cumberbatch in mind.

If Cumberbatch goes through with Lost City of Z it will put the film in direct conflict with the shooting schedule for Star Wars: Episode VII. It should be noted that the Star Wars installment may not even be in Cumberbatch’s sights as his rep denied the rumors of his casting on Tuesday. Now it just seems like an impossible move even if he was being considered with Lost City Z in the mix.

Lost City of Z is a true story based on David Grann’s account of British explorer Percy Fawcett, and his journey in trying to find the disappeared city in the jungle of South America. It didn’t end well for Fawcett, as it’s believed that he and his son were killed during the expedition in the spring of 1925. Although their bodies were never found, the two remained missing. If Cumberbatch takes on the film he would star as Percy Fawcett.

So far it’s been a busy year for Benedict Cumberbatch. He had great exposure in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek: Into Darkness as the film’s villain, and up next he has Imitation Game, 12 Years A Slave, The Fifth Estate playing Julian Assange, and August: Osage County.