Benedict Cumberbatch to Star as HAMLET in the West End, Fall 2014?

According to the Daily Mail, Benedict Cumberbatch is in talks to star as Hamlet in the West End in fall 2014, produced by Sonia Friedman and directed by Lyndsey Turner.

"We're in advanced discussions with Benedict Cumberbatch about playing Hamlet, and we're at the stage of sorting out schedules concerning him and the director Lyndsey Turner," Friedman told the Mail. "Key to those talks is West End theatre availability, or availability of a non-traditional theatre space to present the play."

Read the original report here.

Cumberbatch's recent film roster includes The Fifth Estate, 12 Years a Slave, and August: Osage County with Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts -- all of which just debuted at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

His other upcoming projects include The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, 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.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride