Benedict Cumberbatch is probably best known for his starring role as Sherlock Holmes on the big screen. The actor plays the famous detective in the upcoming film Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, which is set to be released later this year. But before he can play the infamous sleuth in his own movie, he’ll need to prove to Hollywood that he’s the perfect fit for the role. To show off his athletic prowess, Cumberbatch decided to audition for the part – in plain clothes. But in order to get the full Sherlock Holmes experience, he decided to do so without his shirt.
The 43-year-old actor decided to go shirtless for the audition and asked that his shirt be donated to a charity. He didn’t want to appear on screen shirtless, so decided to do so in a playful manner. Cumberbatch wore a t-shirt under his suit during the audition and revealed the iconic London detective’s secret identity to the director. He then took off his shirt, and the rest is cinematic history.
But does this mean that Benedict Cumberbatch has to go shirtless whenever he appears in an upcoming movie? We take a look at why this is happening and whether or not it’s really necessary for the actor to go without his shirt in order to prove himself to Hollywood.
Why Is Benedict Cumberbatch Going Shirtless?
If you’re not familiar, Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character created by English author and mystery writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the stories, Holmes is a brilliant detective who works for the London Metropolitan Police. The character was originally created in 1881, and since then, the stories have been translated into numerous languages and have been made into films and television shows.
The stories feature an eccentric Englishman named Sherlock Holmes, and since Benedict Cumberbatch is British, it made sense to try out for the role. The actor is best known for portraying Sherlock on stage and in films, and even starred in an episode of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows as well. However, although he is a great actor, playing the iconic detective allows Cumberbatch to showcase his athletic prowess. The 43-year-old decided to go au naturelle and prove to Hollywood that he’s a great physical specimen who could give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money.
Will This Be The New Norm?
It’s one thing to appear shirtless in Hollywood. After all, many stars have managed to pull off the look, and it often leads to greater box office success. But going shirtless every time you appear in an upcoming movie could become tiring for Cumberbatch. And it’s not just the physical exertion that’s causing him concern. It’s the idea that his body shape might not match that of the legendary sleuth.
The stories that Doyle wrote about Sherlock Holmes are renowned for being thin-skinned and eccentric. The character is often depicted as having a high-pitched voice, a bald head, and an oversized mustache. While not necessarily an athletic build, Sherlock Holmes is usually shown wearing suits and having a pipe with which he can solve crimes. And while it’s a fantastic physique to have, it might not be suited for everyone.
Is Shirtlessness A Popular Choice?
It’s no secret that Hollywood is fascinated with physical prowess, especially when it comes to men. It’s one of the dominant themes in many of this year’s blockbuster films. And it’s certainly a look that’s popular among celebrities. But is this all that’s popular?
In 2011, Google Search interest for the phrase ‘shirtless celebs’ reached its highest in nearly six years. Interest in the search term increased by 129% year-over-year in the month and a half leading up to the start of the 2012 NFL season. The increase in searches is probably because fans are curious as to whether or not their favorite football players will be making an appearance at the next level partially or fully nude. And it’s not just football. The same pattern can be seen in searches relating to tennis players, baseball players, and golfers. It’s fairly obvious that many famous people are choosing to go shirtless. Yet, this seems to be a trend that’s more popular among men.
Is This A One-Off Exception Or Will This Be A Trend?
It’s one thing to go shirtless as an audition to land a role. However, it’s quite another to make this look the norm. While there are certainly instances of notable people making this style choice for the sake of appearing fit, it’s also evident that many are doing so because they feel that this is the natural or traditional way to appear. And it’s not just a matter of appearance. Some people feel that going shirtless can make them appear more masculine, aggressive, and even commanding. And it’s certainly a look that can be equated with success.
It’s clear that many people are choosing to go shirtless. And it looks like this is a trend that’s here to stay. But it’s not just about appearances. We now live in a world where social media has created a space for people to showcase their lives and passions. And it’s not surprising that many are choosing to do so through their clothing. This could simply be a matter of someone wanting to express a certain lifestyle or way of living. However, it’s also evident that many are making this style choice because they feel that it’s the most fitting or correct way to appear. And it’s certainly a look that can be associated with Hollywood’s leading men. If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes, it’s a great way to prove to the world that you’re a master detective (even though we all know you’re not). However, it might not be for everyone. Going shirtless is certainly a bold choice, and it’s one that could certainly backfire if the trend continues. Yet, for now, it’s a look that’s earning Benedict Cumberbatch a lot of admiration – and interest – in Hollywood. And who knows? Perhaps this will lead him to even greater success.