Benedict Cumberbatch Flips The Bird at Martin Freeman & Chats about Smaug

E-asylum's Cassidy Gard sat down with British actor Benedict Cumberbatch to chat about his role as "Smaug" in The Hobbit. He also shows us how Martin Freeman flips the bird on set.
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[@valerielouiseee]

even the dragon's got cheekbones

[@lizziebaldwin8891]

Fun fact: benedict cumberbatch actually did some of the physical acting for smaug

[@orangegreenn]

Yep, Google Benedict Cumberbatch motion capture. It is truly something.

[@ThelasTofusGaming]

I would love to see more work with Martin and Benedict. They're a great pair, great co-workers and great actors. And their friendship is extremely obvious. Benedict seems almost as fond of Martin and Sherlock is of John.

[@KarrieDreammind5]

I like that he says he loves comedy and it does make sense because he is actually a very lively, happy and bubbly person. He's nothing like the serious roles he gets to play because of his looks. I can imagine that a comedy would be something closer to his heart.

[@KarrieDreammind5]

***** Oh yes, totally! Acting is mostly about appearances. After appearances comes typecasting. But if he wants to start getting roles of a different nature he needs that one big breaking role which will make film makers realise he's good at that as well. I wish for Ben to get that role he really wants. I'd love to see him in a comedy! Comedies are one of my favourite things in life and if that means I get to see Ben's true happy nature that would make things perfect!

[@KarrieDreammind5]

***** Why would they be concerned? They might prefer seeing him in serious roles instead? Well, it's up to him to decide what he wants to play after all, isn't it? Besides, by now he's done enough serious roles to have established a good name for himself so even if he does a couple of romcom / pure comedies, he'll still be known to be good at serious as well. So he'll continue getting the serious ones too, in my opinion.

[@201stars]

Very true... But he has a very serious looking face... But you're right I'd be interested in seeing him in a romcom with me as his leading lady of course :-) Sidenote: Being in romcom can get you typecasted very quickly.. Some actors I've heard don't want to rely on their looks in Hollywood, so they try to avoid being the "pretty boy" in movies. And romcoms are full of that. Johnny Depp is that same exact way, that's why he picks roles that are "unusual" like Edward Scissorhands/Pirates of the Caribbean etc.

[@KarrieDreammind5]

BKadorer Thanks for this wonderful info! And I agree about 'romcom's - they are important and shouldn't be dismissed. Although I personally seek out pure comedies more. :P I'll definitely check out the ones you mentioned.

[@KarrieDreammind5]

BKadorer Haha no problem, thanks for the info anyway.

[@VirginiaAndDavid152]

If he did a romcom, I would probably die.

[@lavie9444]

I imagine I'd feel MOST alive if he were to make a romcom lol :P

[@san18ful]

I guess I would audition if he was to play a romcom :p (don't know how cause I don't know anything about making movies, but still)

[@o.sunsfamily]

Virginia H. Yeah, even an interview makes me feel so cumberbatched.

[@hellhound671]

"angry little hobbit" lmfao

[@haleysjulia]

I just saw Ben's face and clicked the like button

[@shixuantee8357]

Imagine Benedict in a romcom, all the fangirls are going to explode

[@GoddessAwesome04]

this is actually sherlock telling john that he's still alive

[@blessedbe4061]

Well, I guess Sherlock's really pissed at Watson now!

[@TheAllKnowingTribute]

Now who's wearin' the fancy hat. Well, it's not really a hat, it's more of a tunic and cape kind of deal.

[@PrincessLelouch]

I think it would be hilarious if Martin and Benedict switched roles as Sherlock and John for a day/episode. I think personality-wise it would kind of work because Benedict's all about being polite and kind and socially normal while Martin's sitting there flipping off the camera and generally being a snarky, snippy little man.

[@cghorse66]

"gentlemany" *facepalm*

[@cassidygard]

Have you ever interviewed one of your favorite actors and gotten so nervous that you misspoke? Dude, I was SWEATING bullets in there.

[@alyctus]

Cassidy Gard As a viewer I got the impression your way of talking was a little annoying and silly, maybe you should try to improve this. I'm sorry if that's offensive to you but unlike the other mean comments here I mean it as a constructive criticism. To be fair, I do believe you probably felt nervous interviewing such a handsome and famous actor so that's kind of understandable! I fangirl just reading stuff about my favorite actors so I can't imagine how I would react talking to one of them.

[@cassidygard]

lyon laurent Thank you for watching the video and I'm glad we both share a mutual admiration for Benedict! The general consensus of the whole entire day was that he was a true gentleman and his British accent wasn't so bad either.

[@alyctus]

Cassidy Gard I liked the interview and I think you handled it better than I would have if I was talking to him! Haha... You're lucky you met him. And yeah his accent is charming

[@Sileithel]

Cassidy Gard I wouldn't have been able to speak at all!! You rock!

[@bigyeedhaw]

Remember when Ben couldn't even say Cumberbitches without whispering it?

[@o.sunsfamily]

LateNightRambles Yeah, that made me feel so cumberbatched back then.

[@nicofleddermann5393]

Angry little hobbit

[@gracegeradts7419]

"just proper playing" ! he is amazing

[@CT-8024]

Best voice of a dragon in film since Sean Connery in Dragonheart.

[@ebrach121]

God I got shivers when the Smaug talked

[@MagZness]

"I can be a rude arsehole" finally the truth comes out

[@ani747gm]

Tht interviewer wanted some

[@michaelockhurtz8511]

Not some, a lot. All of it.

[@ani747gm]

TRUTH

[@outofequilibrium5775]

She's in the same room as him; she already has more than I could imagine

[@pennydesouza]

can't blame her

[@maddiemaynot]

That's adorable that he wishes he could have worked with Martin more

[@LilyGrace95]

"New romantic comedy" ....isn't Sherlock seires 3 coming out soon~? :p

[@TheSkinnyjeans44]

The way he talks about Martin is the cutest! He said he wished he had spent more time with him. Just too damn cute.

[@SongNadia]

She's like "would you consider doing a romantic comedy?" and I'm like "well, Sherlock is funny enough"

[@amazingdany]

1:34 for the flip.

[@Jessica00107680]

thank you very much

[@milkiemash]

Benedict Cumberbatch is the most down-to-earth actor I have ever seen! He is such an amazing actor and he can play some amazing characters and parts in a film/program, but he is always genuine! and he is not like most other actors that get swallowed up in the Hollywood dream and that are actually horrible people to be around! He is a genuine gentleman and I am pleased that there is an actor that can show people you don't have to be an arsehole to be good at what you do! I think he is one of the best 'real people' actors that has ever been! And I hope it stays that way!!!!

[@CodeDarkBlue]

So that's where those shots of them flicking people off came from xD Oh Ben, you and Martin should never change

[@katiejohnson3559]

Benedict and Martin are such good friends! It makes me so happy!

[@inkard2172]

His voice is amazing!!!!

[@Chilling311]

Benedict Cumberbatch just awesome man!

[@coolgirlz1225]

Cassidy! You are one of the best interviewers we have here on KZbin!

[@AlaaNouasri1994]

I'm fucking in love with this man

[@dianagothensten2255]

Can't believe I am jealous of the interviewer..

[@MandarOfThe5th]

If he did an all out....heartbreaking romantic tear jearker like "PS I Love You", "The Notebook", "The Time Travelers Wife", "When A Man Loves A Woman".....THEN WE WOULD DIE. A RomCom would nearly kill us....a serious RomDrama, with crying and tears and desperation, and we would all be dead for sure.

[@Jiska1990]

He already did some heartbreaking tear jerkers though... ;) I was sad for two days after seeing Third Star... ;) (Though that's not a romantic movie, but it was SO GOOD)

[@cassidygard]

EXACTLY! I just wanted to see him in a role like that and do something unexpected that shocks ALL of us.

[@beaclarke8564]

"The Work" Oh dear Benedict, your Sherlock is showing XD

[@harmony0404]

I love you, Ben. You are one of the most british actors........

[@Julylovesmusic1]

He's just my favourite person ever! :D

[@sanezan]

Benedict Cumberbatch just ends up bullying Martin Freeman in some form whenever they're working together ahaahha

[@PoetheRaven99]

That Smaug voice!

[@naokihikari1833]

1:34 Benedict doing the flips Lol. Very Martin-ish Ben!! 😂

[@marinarr8727]

he thinks he can be a rude a**hole? not likely. he is so modest and humble and polite.

[@cassidygard]

Marina RR , he was definitely much more positive and polite than half of these KZbin commenters.

[@improvuyourechoice2026]

First point, Is that the film was absolutely awesome, along with the follow up of The five armies. Second point is, the lady interviewing him was an absolute stunner, very pretty and took the stress of interviewing a true British classic very well. All in all, a good 5 minutes of my time on youtube lol.

[@forshizzlemywizzle]

The dragon actually has his eyes. I'm worried I might come out of this movie with a crippling reptile fetish.

[@kristieshorten9984]

If he and Richard Armitage were in the SAME rom-com, I would DEFINITELY die.

[@Emma-sm2vc]

3:45- 3:47 I thought he said I've always been gay xD

[@ElementalFichie]

The bar code at the bottom of the golden cups :D

[@oof-rr5nf]

HOW did you notice?

[@GabrielSparkletits]

Ohhhhh MARTIN Freeman...

[@TheOneWhoLaughs101]

I bet after the interview he bent her over a table and showed her Smaug's wrath and the wrath of Khan!

[@xJellyMx]

LOL! she looked so into him aswell....awkward...O.o

[@spw143]

xJellyMx married.

[@cassidygard]

NothingButJo I'm a huge fan and I respect his work and perspective on so many things but I was also a little intimidated! I guess when I'm nervous, I just get a little giggly. Eeeeek!

[@cassidygard]

*****, wow what a way to take a women in a professional environment and degrade her to low level scum. No wonder you post under fake pseudonym "John Doe."

[@Azmoslam]

Cassidy Gard It's just a joke, besides, this is KZbin comment, do you really expect anything professional to happen down here?

[@FishCakeIce]

I want him, John Barrowman, David Tennant, Catherine Tate, and Martin Freeman to all do the Importance of Being Earnest.

[@didondio]

The Bass on smaug's voice in the kino was.....OMFG CHILLS !

[@yuppymuffin]

He played a very funny comedy character in Starter for 10. He was wonderful in it.

[@lynntieu3002]

This is the only time that I think a dragon's voice could sound sexy...

[@RoseJustice4]

Gee, I dunno.....there was this old movie a long time ago (the 90's, lol) where Sean Connery did the voice for a dragon~! That was pretty cool too~!

[@hexxgamer2786]

Anyone else hear the Audiomachine song Land of Shadows? It's in the very far background.

[@Kcb_creations]

Jes i hear it to your not grazy

[@hannahmcgahan8920]

That beautiful speaking voice 😍😍😍

[@Dream1ng]

if he every does a rom com i will die of happiness.

[@justsaying819]

Interviewer is so nervous. Cute.

[@katiejewel8319]

Lol he called Martin an angry little hobbit. Pretty accurate description I suppose. xD

[@graceherbert348]

His voice is incredible

[@hAiSuMiYuMi]

LOL 3:15 "just loose your shit"

[@charlottegriffin4772]

it would be like a dream come true if benedict did a romcom!!!

[@XxShroomsAnyonexX]

oh my gosh i can imagine him watching we're the millers i love that movie it's hilarious

[@phaedri]

You mentioned speaking to Martin Freeman as well, any chance of uploading that interview?

[@EAsylum]

It will be up soon, thanks for watching! :)

[@phaedri]

Thank you! I'll watch out for it, he's always so entertaining.

[@EAsylum]

phaedri Make sure you subscribe to us for new video uploads! :)

[@fabulousmyriad267]

The closest comedic role to date is as Captain Martin Chrieff in the Radio 4 series Cabin Pressure. It would be brilliant if the series were made into a TV series with the original cast!

[@jessicajenkins9669]

my favourite benedict quotes of this whole interview were>>>> "angry little hobbit" and "child Martin Freeman who keeps swearing". both funny both aiming at Martin

[@bellajacklil]

We're the Millers? lol Ben..I love you!!!

[@sarajohansson1021]

Omg! Dat voice!

[@jomoody798]

"I've had the same face for ten years" Accurate

[@ayagohar3382]

Nice interview, also the interviewer seemed a bit nervous but she handled it well, good job! :)

[@Aryaa238]

Thanks :)

[@taraz6786]

Just the thought of Ben doing a romantic comedy has made my day! It's pathetic but so, so true!

[@rachaelscofield2445]

It's not that the interviewer is bad and neither was her outfit, she just used a really dumb tone when asking the questions. It felt really bimbo-ish. If she could just not sound so fake and ditzy it would have been fine! All in all a good interview.

[@mordecai1484]

She's So cute when smiling.

[@chandlerhamby5907]

Smile and wave, boy. Smile and wave. Benny's public image in a self-explained nutshell. :P

[@corky7ca]

If he does a romantic comedy ovaries around the world will explode! Including mine!

[@salyo1]

The disparity in IQ levels between Benedict and this reporter is hilarious. It must be awful doing interviews like this.

[@liroiz3947]

Just so you know Benedict...I thought you were handsome long before anyone cared so not only do I love your face of 10 years but I do LOVE your work. Booya! lol

[@CyberEJ]

I like Ben. He always seems really nice and funny. And it's amusing how he's so refined and gentlemanly and has a panty dropping voice, but uses some outrageous language. Kind of like, oh the amazing actor who's work I enjoy is just another regular foul mouthed English guy like me

[@o.sunsfamily]

Matt Blade After watching this video I just felt cumberbatched.

[@QuaykerQwaker]

Little Talon of Smaug. ME GUSTA

[@TheWillowtear]

The interviewer is so cute. ❤ love Benny too.

[@noalysanne]

I just melted into a puddle of boiling love puppy eyes sugar and hearts!

[@871ash]

Someone needs to cast Benedict in a Rom Com !

[@devotedghosts]

I actually like her outfit. It's cute and actually is professional, so stop harping on it. She also did a great interview with an amazing actor.

[@cassidygard]

Thank you for the compliment enchantedblack. I just wanted to try something different than the usual blouses. I thought the cut outs were unique!

[@HDChubbydude]

You know he sorta looks like Jeremy Clarkson when you look at the thumbnail without zooming in.

[@LucyoBailey]

The sexiest dragon I have ever heard ;)

[@MAMA67]

she wants that batch of cumber

[@kento2851]

pause at 1:35 LMFAO HAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@BlueyLeopard]

YOU SUCH ADORABLE

[@samcooper2474]

Someone cast this guy in a Coen film, a funny one I mean.

[@apocsparky3364]

I bet if I punched him in the face his cheek bones would cut me...

[@zmoodyz]

I wonder how she got the job...

[@barracuda0405]

1:34 best scene!!!

[@rachellim9590]

if he does a rom com then I'm going to have to watch a bloody rom com. The things i do for you Ben.

[@agreatlotrfan6178]

1:35 LOL

[@sarasara1337]

That interviewer girl makes me so uncomfortable

[@pinksquid4157]

I know I'm super late on commenting but some of you guys can be so mean. I thought the interviewer did a great job and was more composed than I would have been.

[@brittmelugin200]

We're the Millers, FTW!

[@Shadywolf09]

The interviewer is a total ditz and clearly a huge fan. She could lower her voice a little bit and not seem so annoying and loud.

[@cassidygard]

Blais Can't wait to see you conduct an interview with one of your favorite actors, hopefully you could teach me a thing or too about how to remain composed. Yes, I'm clearly a huge fan and was just trying to hold it together.

[@Shadywolf09]

Cassidy Gard Oh, I so would. I'd interview Ben's acting buddy, Andrew Scott. Never met him, but I certainly would make it feel like he's an old pal of mine and we're just having a chat. I grew up in Hollywood and have met many stars and had remained composed. Huge fan of Tom Hanks, met him, was not star struck.

[@cassidygard]

Blais Great, where can 400,000+ people watch your celebrity interviews and comment anonymously on them?

[@Shadywolf09]

Cassidy Gard I'm not going to argue. I answered your previous question and have made my point. Good day.

[@monkeyfighter92]

Blais Way to be a massive asshat on youtube comments

[@Abi19977]

the interviewer Cassidy is such a fangirl...it's cute

[@josabby474]

If people watch his work from Broken News or Listen to Cabin Pressure, they will not doubt his ability to do comedy. I hope Benedict doesn't get type cast as villains. Like Jonathan Ryse Meyers, he plays really nice goods guys.

[@somewotnormal]

Whoo Weta Workshop Go New Zealand!!

[@TheTopazChannel]

Her voice could kill zombies.

[@cassidygard]

Thank you for pointing out and making fun of something that I have absolutely no control of. Very classy (end sarcasm). I'm just me, interviewing an actor that I admire, and clearly fan-girling. Your voice never gets higher pitched when you're meeting someone you're a huge fan of?

[@TheTopazChannel]

Not sure when I said this. If I was talking about you then I watched this on a bad day because you don't sound that bad. I think at that time I was concentrating on him which is why i didnt like your voice. On another note though... Sorry if I hurt your feelings. :/ #notabadperson

[@cassidygard]

TheTopazChannel Thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment. That means a lot. If I had to compare my slightly southern accent to his British accent, I would choose his any day too. :)

[@TheTopazChannel]

:) I feel forgiven. #yayz

[@Gehennathedestroyer]

Well fuck... now i want to see Smaug flipping people off...