Benedict Cumberbatch discussed his regret over playing the non-binary character All in Zoolander 2, admitting that the role became controversial. He noted how LGBT+ activists criticized it as a mockery of androgyny and emphasized the importance of listening to those affected. Cumberbatch acknowledged that he wouldn't take on a similar role today, emphasizing that in the current era, such a part should go to a trans actor. Director Ben Stiller also reflected on the backlash, indicating that it impacted him significantly.
"It's a difficult one to talk about," he admitted to Variety when asked about one of the controversial lines. "I've had to apologise for that quite a lot."
Cumberbatch added: "And I respect that, so I probably wouldn't do that again now."
In this era, my role would never be performed by anybody other than a trans actor," he said, illustrating a shift in industry perspectives.
What scared me the most was losing what I think was funny... it affected me for a long time," Stiller recalled regarding the negative response.
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