'Sherlock' star Benedict Cumberbatch will become Richard III in BBC2's Shakespeare adaptation!
'The Hallow Crown: The War Of Roses' started filming last Monday and fans have spotted the 'Hobbit' star in his royal garb while riding a horse. Fans leaked photos of the actor as Shakespeare's infamous king on Twitter, looking ruggedly handsome with long curly hair.
**HOLLOW CROWN SPOILERS** I just need these HERE pic.twitter.com/ItAAPLaSwx
— Nicky (@SherlocksBees) September 23, 2014
Dame Judi Dench will also be joining Cumberbatch after being personally asked by the actor to join him on the four-part TV adaptation.
"Would you like to be in Richard III with me?" Cumberbatch asked Dench during a question and answer session at the Hay Festival in June.
"Yes!" the Oscar award-winning actress agreed enthusiastically amidst the crowd's cheers.
Dench will be playing Cecily, Duchess of York for the BBC2 adaptation. The four-part film will be directed by Damien Cooke and executively produced by 'Bond' director Sam Mendes.
Fans have been anticipating Benedict Cumberbatch's Richard III portrayal since the casting was announced earlier this year and the recent paparazzi-like photos have raised expectations.
Even the recent revelation of his rumored girlfriend could not deter fans' enthusiasm. Cumberbatch was seen taking a brunette out on a theatre and movie in late August.
The Sunday Mirror eventually revealed that the 'Star Trek' star's new girlfriend, is in fact, Oxford graduate and actress Sophie Hunter. They met while starring together in 'Burlesque Fairytales' and reportedly just became official a couple of weeks ago.
As an actress and a theatre director, do you think Hunter will approve of Benedict Cumberbatch's Richard III portrayal?
The four-part series will adapt both Henry VI (cut into three parts) and Richard III. Aside from Cumberbatch and Dame Judi Dench, 'The Hallow Crown: The War Of Roses' casting also includes Keeley Hawes, Hugh Bonneville, Sophie Okonedo, Sally Hawkins and Tom Strurridge.
Cumberbatch will also be taking on another Shakespeare character, this time, for theatre. Tickets were recently sold out by fans eager to see the British actor play 'Hamlet' in 2015.
