Not Just Our Little Sherlock Anymore: Benedict Cumberbatch Lands the Cover of ‘TIME’

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch has been barreling toward stardom ever since he landed the role of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s great detective a few years ago. Today, it would seem that moment has finally arrived.

With major roles in three high-profile films set to open by the end of the year – the kinds of movies that get a lot of critics dropping words like Oscar buzz – in The Fifth Estate, August: Osage County and 12 Years a Slave – it’s not surprising that the actor kind of seems to be everywhere right now. Literally. This week, the actor landed the cover of the international version of TIME magazine, as well as a feature interview in which he discusses his rising fame and his recent string of breakout roles from Sherlock to Star Trek to Julian Assange.

So, fellow Sherlock fans, the moment is fast approaching when you can rub your friends’ faces in the growing popularity of “that British actor with the funny name” and say that you were a fan well before it was cool. (Does that make us all Cumberhipsters? Maybe?)

Read on for a bigger look at Cumberbatch’s TIME cover, as well as a look behind the scenes at his photoshoot for them. 

This is the full (and quite fantastic) TIME cover, shot by noted photographer Paola Kudacki:

Kudacki also appears to be a Cumberbatch fan – and had a lot to say about the actor. Speaking to TIME, she said that she “wanted to capture the intensity of his face but also the quietness. I wanted to take a serious approach, very quiet, and intimate.”

“He’s looking into the camera, very confidently, but there’s something kinda broken. It’s kinda like when he says he likes to bring humanity to the character. I think he’s very respectful of the characters he’s playing.”

Yeah, he’s kind of a big deal now. Exciting, isn’t it? Watch a behind-the-scenes clip of Cumberbatch’s monumentous Time moment below: 

Sadly, we Americans are about the only people in the world who won’t be getting graced with TIME’s Cumberbatch cover on our newsstands. Instead, the US version of TIME is sporting a completely different spread, featuring a patchwork image of Texas. (Which really: yawn.) This is not nearly as exciting. For those of you who are jonesing for a copy of this cover for yourselves, check international shippers like Newstand UK.