Benedict Cumberbatch About to Become a Waxwork at Madame Tussauds

What’s cooler – the fact that Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch recently picked up his first Emmy for playing the great detective, or the fact that he’s about to get his very own wax replica at the world famous Madame Tussauds waxwork gallery in London?

Pretty cool, right? The news that the world was getting a wax version of Cumberbatch was announced by Tussaud’s earlier this summer, and the actor has been visiting the waxwork museum to keep tabs on the progress of his figure, provide vital measurements to the team crafting the statue and, it would appear, poke his virtual self in the ear.

Thankfully, the Tussaud’s team was there to document this important occasion on film. 

cumberbatchwaxwork1.jpg

As you can see, work on the figure is well underway, and Cumberbatch’s finished statue will apparently be “premiere-ready”, showing the actor in one of his signature red-carpet dark suits.

“Finally I can photobomb myself!” Cumberbatch said in a statement. “What a weird and wonderful compliment to be included in the ranks of talent already committed to wax. I've been accused of being wooden in my work but never waxy!

cumberbatchwaxwork2.jpg

“The main privilege for me was the process and seeing the amount of exacting work and skill brought to every detail of this art form. It is a wonderful combination of old and new, hi-tech and lo-fi skills. Measurements, hand inserted individual hairs and sculpted features,” Cumberbatch explained. “As a subject, you stand still surrounded by sculpters, painters, photographers, measurers and a whole army of people who bring together your likeness... it's an extraordinary experience.”

cumberbatchwaxwork3.jpg

All of the above photos are courtesy of Madame Tussaud’s, and you can see a full gallery of these Cumberclay images at the official Madame Tussaud’s site. (Yes, there are more!)

“There is no denying that Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the most in-demand actors of the moment, starring in some of the most successful films and TV shows in recent times to critical and popular acclaim. With his star on a meteoric rise, we are delighted that his figure will be joining us at Madame Tussauds London,” said Madame Tussauds’ General Manager Ben Sweet.  “Our guests made it very clear they wanted to see him in the attraction, and we can’t wait for them to meet his figure later this year.”

The official Benedict Cumberbatch wax figure is set to debut in October, so everyone who’s already making plans to attend the star’s West End turn as Hamlet next Fall can add another must-do item to their Cumberbatc-related London itinerary!


Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

More to Love from Telly Visions