Top 5 Benedict Cumberbatch characters ranked ahead of Netflix's 'Eric', and why Doctor Strange is not #1

English actor Benedict Cumberbatch has received various accolades for his iconic roles in films and television
UPDATED JUL 12, 2024
As Benedict Cumberbatch is set to play an intense role in 'Eric', here's a look at his best characters so far (@marvelstudios, @netflix, @kirstygriffin)
As Benedict Cumberbatch is set to play an intense role in 'Eric', here's a look at his best characters so far (@marvelstudios, @netflix, @kirstygriffin)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Primetime Emmy Award winner Benedict Cumberbatch is gearing up to swoon his fans with yet another enthralling performance in Netflix's highly awaited psychological thriller, titled 'Eric'.

Cumberbatch, 47, is celebrated for his memorable roles in films and television, making him a beloved movie star among millennials. His performances in blockbuster films and critically acclaimed theatrical roles have satisfied audiences of all kinds.

Ahead of his appearance in 'Eric', here's a look at his top five characters of all time:

1. Sherlock Holmes in 'Sherlock'

Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Sherlock' (@bbc)
Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Sherlock' (@bbc)

Cumberbatch is best known for playing Sherlock Holmes in the British mystery crime series 'Sherlock'. The series comprising four seasons contributed to his growing popularity across the globe and garnered him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.

Cumberbatch portrayed the character's intelligence and his apparent cold behavior with utmost finesse. Even after years, the role remains his fans' favorite.

2. Patrick Melrose in 'Patrick Melrose'

Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Patrick Melrose' (@showtime)
Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Patrick Melrose' (@showtime)

In the television adaptation of Edward St Aubyn's semi-autobiographical novels, Cumberbatch takes on the titular role as he plays a wealthy Englishman trying to overcome his addictions and demons stemming from abuse by his cruel father and neglectful mother.

Not only this miniseries gained a positive response from the audience, but it also earned him Emmy nominations.

3. Doctor Stephen Strange in MCU

Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Doctor Strange' (@marvelstudios)
Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Doctor Strange' (@marvelstudios)

The British actor has played Dr. Strange in MCU films such as 'Doctor Strange' (2016) and 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' (2022).

Though he acted his part with utmost conviction, his American accent and the poor character arc failed to match the audience's expectations.

4. Alan Turing in 'The Imitation Game'

Benedict Cumberbatch in 'The Imitation Game' (@theweinsteincompany)
Benedict Cumberbatch in 'The Imitation Game' (@theweinsteincompany)

2014's period biographical thriller film 'The Imitation Game' features Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, the man who decrypted German intelligence messages for the British government during World War II.

For his impressive performance, Cumberbatch received critical acclaim and BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Award nominations for Best Actor.

His portrayal of Turing remains one of his best works to date.

5. Phil Burbank in 'The Power of the Dog'

Benedict Cumberbatch in 'The Power of the Dog' (@netflix)
Benedict Cumberbatch in 'The Power of the Dog' (@netflix)

Cumberbatch earned his second Oscar nomination for his work in the 2021 film 'The Power of the Dog'.

Based on Thomas Savage's 1967 novel of the same title, Cumberbatch takes on the lead role of Phil Burbank in the psychological drama film.

His portrayal of an evil wealthy ranch owner, projecting a coarse and volatile nature, is a must-watch performance.

All you need to know about Benedict Cumberbatch's upcoming series 'Eric'

Benedict Cumberbatch in a still from the official trailer for 'Eric' (YouTube/@netflix)
Benedict Cumberbatch in a still from the official trailer for 'Eric' (YouTube/@netflix)

Having proven his mettle in the tough genre of psychological drama, Benedict Cumberbatch has taken up another challenging role in 'Eric'.

In the upcoming miniseries, he plays Vincent, a puppeteer in the 1980s, whose nine-year-old son, Edgar, goes missing. After he alienates himself socially and resorts to substance abuse, he starts to believe that he can reunite with his son with the help of his seven-foot-tall puppet, Eric.

Created by Abi Morgan, the series also stars Gaby Hoffmann, McKinley Belcher III, Roberta Colindrez, and Jeff Hephner.

'Eric' trailer



 

'Eric' is scheduled to be released on May 30, 2024 on Netflix.

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