Is there ever such a thing as too much Benedict Cumberbatch? That was a trick question because of course there isn't. Whether he's having buckets of ice cold water dumped on his head or chatting about penlings, uh, I mean, penguins, there's no doubt in my mind that the world is cuckoo for Cumberbatch. Which is why fans will be thrilled to hear that the very first image has popped up of Cumberbatch starring as Richard III for the upcoming BBC drama The Hollow Crown: The War of the Roses, which is part of a three-part saga for the network. And obviously, it's pretty much the most amazing thing ever. Rocking long, dark brown locks, the British actor stares into the camera with an intense, smoldering look while wearing medieval garb. It is quite possibly the most rugged we've ever seen him, and I am so not complaining. Oh, and did I mention he's also riding a horse? A black stallion to be exact. (Umm, so when is this going to be hitting PBS?)
But this is far from the only transformation Cumberbatch has undertaken throughout his acting career. This heartthrob has donned many different looks, especially over the past few years. And while some of them have been positively dreamy, others, well, not so much. Check out our ranking system from worst to best looks below and see where you think his Richard III should fit in.
As Smaug in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
LOL. OK, so this isn't actually him in the flesh, but I think it still counts. And as much as I'm attracted to that deep voice, this is a little too scaly for my taste.
As The Creature in National Theatre Live
An incredible transformation, but not one I'd ever want to cozy up to. But that's just me.
As Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate
Some people can pull off the albino look. Unfortunately, Cumberbatch is not one of them.
As Charles Aiken in August: Osage County
A definite improvement for sure, though I'm not a fan of the wimpy expression that seemed to placate that gorgeous face throughout the entire film.
As Alan Turing in The Imitation Game
Dapper + genius = one enigma I'd love to solve.
As Ford in 12 Years a Slave
You had me at luscious locks.
As Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness
Now we're talking. Evil with a hint of mystery is one Cumberbatch look that never fails to make me swoon.
As Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock
Perfection.
Images: BBC; wearethetank/Tumblr; coffeeandwizards/Wordpress; Giphy (3); danish-cumbercollective/Tumblr; geekgirl1/Tumblr; Wifflegif
