British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his versatile performances, has recently shared his thoughts on revisiting past roles and the direction of his career. In an interview with Variety, the 48-year-old star discussed his new film, The Thing With Feathers, while reflecting on his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Cumberbatch expressed uncertainty about returning to the role, emphasizing that it would require a significant improvement over previous iterations. He also highlighted his desire to explore different types of characters and projects through his production company, SunnyMarch, which he founded in 2013. The actor aims to produce meaningful content that addresses important issues or showcases unique artistic visions. Additionally, Cumberbatch addressed his views on being labeled a sex symbol and celebrity status, expressing discomfort with these labels and focusing instead on the substance of his work.

Cumberbatch's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes from 2010 to 2017 became one of his most iconic roles. When asked if he would consider reprising the detective, he joked that it would take "a lot of money" but more importantly, the project would need to surpass what they had already achieved. "You leave them or yourselves wanting more," he explained. "There’s always that itch to scratch, but I think it would have to be the superlative version of what we’ve already achieved." This sentiment reflects his commitment to quality and innovation in his work. Over the years, Cumberbatch has made it clear that he does not want to be pigeonholed into one type of character. During a fan event in Australia while Sherlock was still airing, he told fans that he wouldn't always play the same role. He wanted to challenge himself and surprise audiences with diverse performances.

Since founding SunnyMarch in 2013, Cumberbatch has shifted much of his focus to producing films that resonate with him personally. He believes in telling urgent stories that deserve to be heard, whether they tackle difficult subjects or represent niche art-house cinema. By appearing in many of these productions, he helps finance projects that might otherwise struggle to find support. "These are urgent stories that we feel a need to tell," he said, underscoring the importance of bringing attention to underrepresented narratives. Through his production efforts, Cumberbatch continues to push boundaries and contribute to meaningful storytelling in the industry.

Despite his success and recognition, Cumberbatch remains humble about being called a sex symbol or celebrity. He prefers to be recognized for his work as an actor rather than superficial attributes. When asked about being considered attractive, he pointed out that he is not like traditional movie stars such as Brad Pitt or Leonardo DiCaprio. "I’m not sitting around thinking, ‘Why am I sexy?’" he remarked, dismissing any self-indulgent reflection on his appeal. Furthermore, he finds the term "celebrity" derogatory and overly simplistic. Instead, he questions what exactly people celebrate about him, preferring to focus on the substance of his contributions to the arts. This attitude highlights his dedication to his craft and the deeper impact he hopes to make through his work.