The daily gossip: Benedict Cumberbatch won't be in Star Wars: Episode VII after all, and more

(Image credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

last updated 8 January 2015

1. Benedict Cumberbatch won't be in Star Wars: Episode VII after all

Over the long weekend, it was widely reported that Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch had been cast in Star Wars: Episode VII, which seemed fairly plausible, given his relationship with director J.J. Abrams and the fact that Cumberbatch has recently been cast in about 20 other things. But reports of the actor's involvement have been greatly exaggerated, says a rep for Cumberbatch, claiming there is "no truth to the rumor." Of course, based on what happened with Star Trek Into Darkness, it's possible that the rep is just lying about Cumberbatch's involvement. So prepare yourself for two years of feverish denials, followed by Cumberbatch showing up in the first 15 minutes of the movie with a red lightsaber or whatever. [Daily News]

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Scott Meslow is the entertainment editor for TheWeek.com. He has written about film and television at publications including The Atlantic, POLITICO Magazine, and Vulture.

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