Benedict Cumberbatch Shares His Fears and Excitement For ‘Eric’
Benedict Cumberbatch, widely recognized for his iconic roles as Dr. Strange and Sherlock Holmes, is set to take on a new and challenging role in the Netflix psychological thriller ‘Eric’. This six-part miniseries, premiering this week, marks a significant departure from Cumberbatch’s usual heroic characters, introducing audiences to a complex and emotionally driven narrative.
In ‘Eric’, Cumberbatch portrays Vincent, a puppeteer whose life spirals into chaos after his son goes missing on the way to school. Consumed by guilt, Vincent creates an imagined monster puppet named Eric, hoping to bring it to life on television as a means to find his lost son. The role allows Cumberbatch to explore a character living in a morally grey area, a stark contrast to his previous portrayals of clear-cut heroes.
Also Read: Benedict Cumberbatch Searches for Missing Son in ‘Eric’: First Look Revealed
“I don’t want to play people who get the green thumbs up or red thumbs down,” Cumberbatch shared in a BBC interview, expressing his desire to delve into more nuanced and challenging roles. However, he admitted that taking on such a role fills him with fear. “I don’t know how people are going to respond to it. It’s nice to roll the dice on something new.”
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s and the AIDS epidemic, ‘Eric’ follows Vincent’s desperate belief that bringing his son’s imaginary monster to life will somehow lead to his son’s return. The series is written by Emmy-winning playwright and screenwriter Abi Morgan, known for works like ‘The Iron Lady’ and ‘The Split’, and directed by Lucy Forbes.
Cumberbatch is joined by a talented cast, including Ivan Morris Howe as his son Edgar, Gaby Hoffmann, Dan Fogler, and McKinley Belcher III. The series promises a gripping and emotionally charged experience, showcasing Cumberbatch’s versatility as an actor.
One of the most memorable aspects of filming for Cumberbatch was donning the 44 lbs (20 kg) suit to bring Eric, the blue monster, to life. “It was one of the most ludicrous things I’ve ever done – and I’ve done a few,” Cumberbatch told BBC News. He described the experience as both fun and painfully funny, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges of the role.
While Cumberbatch voiced the character of Eric, it was Olly Taylor who embodied the monster, bringing a unique energy and life to the character. Cumberbatch praised Taylor’s performance, noting that working with him was a “beautiful” experience.
Despite his apprehensions, Cumberbatch expressed excitement and joy about the show and the character of Eric. He believes that the audience will find the series thrilling and emotionally resonant.
-Gayathri J
