Doctor Who – Benedict Cumberbatch to land Masterful role?

It is being speculated that the star of the BBC’s Sherlock series and villain in the upcoming Star Trek 2 could be appearing on Doctor Who in this upcoming season, which marks the 50th anniversary of the long running show. The current showrunner for Doctor Who, also is the co-creator of the critically acclaimed Sherlock for the BBC. Cumberbatch is said to possibly be playing The Master. The Master is the arch nemesis of The Doctor, most recently played by John Simm in the Russell T. Davies era of Doctor Who. Here is the original article posted on the Express’s website:

Programme insiders say the 35-year-old actor is likely to lock horns with current Time Lord Matt Smith, 29, when the series marks its half-century next year.

Ironically Cumberbatch, who has won plaudits for his portrayal of the modern- day Sherlock in the hit BBC1 series, has often been linked with the role of the Doctor himself but has played down the prospect in the past.

Writer Steven Moffat is currently at the helm of both the Doctor Who and Sherlock shows on the BBC.

“It’s fitting that the Doctor comes face to face with his ultimate enemy, The Master, for the 50th anniversary and it’s felt Benedict is the perfect choice if schedules can work,” we’re told. “Fans will love the idea of the man who plays Sherlock Holmes taking on the Doctor’’.
The Master was last portrayed in the series by John Simm during former Doctor Who star David Tennant’s time in the role.

The character, who is a renegade Time Lord, has often been described as the Doctor’s biggest enemy of all and has appeared in the show in various guises since 1971.

Cumberbatch has also been cast as a currently unnamed villain in the forthcoming Star Trek film.

“Benedict has often been asked about whether he would like to play the Doctor so it will be ironic if he now
ends up being The Master instead,” we’re told.