Benedict Cumberbatch looking forward to adapting Classic British novel

Benedict Cumberbatch is confirming his long-standing plan to adapt Rogue Male.

Rouge Male is the classic 1939 British novel widely believed to have inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond.

The London-born acting powerhouse first announced the project in 2016 through his production banner SunnyMarch, but the feature has since been in development.

While chatting on the SmartLess podcast with hosts Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman, and Will Arnett, the BAFTA-winning performer revealed he’s aiming to schedule the shoot for 2026.

He hinted, however, that “other huge commitments involving cloaks floating about” might affect the timeline, a not-so-subtle nod to his return as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“We haven’t got a filming date yet, but it’s something we’re trying to slate for next year,” the enigmatic screen chameleon said. “We will make it, definitely.”

Originally published on the eve of World War II, Rogue Male follows an unnamed English sportsman who attempts to assassinate a European dictator strongly implied to be Adolf Hitler.

After being captured, tortured, and left for dead, he escapes to England, going on the run as police and enemy agents hunt him.

“It’s the original fugitive novel and a huge inspiration for Ian Fleming for Bond,” the Marvel fan-favourite sorcerer added. “When we first sat down with it, we wondered if it was just a guy’s film.

“But the deeper we went, into the themes, the character’s motives, and the fact that he’s targeted by both the regime he opposes and his own side, it became clear how it mirrors what’s happening politically in the world right now.”

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