Benedict Cumberbatch to Star as RICHARD III in Upcoming BBC Two Film

BBC Two recently announced that it will air three filmed adaptations of Shakespeare's History plays including a new version of Richard III. Today, BBC Two confirmed on its Twitter feed that actor Benedict Cumberbatch will take on the role of the titular king.

The project will be executive produced by Sam Mendes, produced by Rupert Ryle Hodges, written by Ben Power, and directed by Dominc Cooke, the former artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre.

Cumberbatch, himself an alum of the Royal Court Theatre, commented, "I can't wait to work with Dominic Cooke again to bring this complex, funny and dangerous character to life."

The '12 Years a Slave' star will take on the iconic role of Hamlet on stage in the summer 2015 on the West End.

Cumberbatch's recent film roster includes The Fifth Estate, 12 Years a Slave, and August: Osage County with Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.

His other film projects include The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and the upcoming The Hobbit: There and Back Again, Magik, The Imitation Game and Flying Horse. He is well known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the UK series "Sherlock", which just wrapped its third season, set to air next year. Other recent film credits include J.J. Abrams' Stark Trek Into Darkness.

The actor starred in Steven Spielberg's War Horse film adaptation and in 2011 alternated leads in Danny Boyle's production of Frankenstein. His other theatre credits include Hedda Gabler, for which he received an Olivier Award nomination.

Source: Deadline

Photo Credit: Walter McBride