British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has admitted he regrets playing a non-binary character in the 2016 comedy Zoolander 2, stating that he would not take on a similar role today.
In an interview with Variety, Cumberbatch reflected on his portrayal of “All,” a non-binary supermodel whose character was played for laughs. The role sparked backlash from LGBTQIA+ activists, who criticised the film’s depiction and called for a boycott.
“I’ve had to apologise for that [role] quite a lot,” Cumberbatch shared. “It’s a difficult one to talk about. I love that group of people, and it was a chance to be part of something that, the first time around, was iconic. I was a huge fan. But it got complicated, and it got misunderstood, and I upset people. I respect that, so I probably wouldn’t do that again now.”
The controversy surrounding Zoolander 2 was one of many factors contributing to its failure at the box office. Despite its star-studded cast—including Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Penélope Cruz, and Kristen Wiig—the film barely recouped its $55 million budget, making it one of 2016’s biggest Hollywood flops.
This isn’t the first time Cumberbatch has spoken about the role. In 2022, he explained that the intention behind the character was to highlight how protagonists Derek Zoolander and Hansel McDonald were “two dinosaurs, two heteronormative clichés not understanding this new diverse world.” However, he admitted, “it backfired.”
“Nearly a decade later, my role would never be performed by anybody other than a trans actor,” he added.
Ben Stiller, the creator and star of Zoolander, had considered a third instalment but ultimately abandoned the idea after the sequel’s poor reception. However, he briefly reprised the role for a Pepsi commercial during the 2023 Super Bowl. Reflecting on Zoolander 2’s failure, Stiller has since said he is grateful for the experience, as it allowed him to transition into more serious dramatic roles.