Benedict Joins Johnny Depp in This Film

Listen up, Hollywood: Benedict Cumberbatch's in! Guy Pearce's out! In a good ol' Hollywood switcheroo, Pearce has reportedly been re-cast by Cumberbatch in the upcoming film, Black Mass. The Sherlock actor is set to star as Billy Bulger in place of Pearce, due to the actor dropping out of the film for unknown reasons. The movie is centered on the notorious and nefarious Boston gangster, Whitey Bulger. Johnny Depp has been cast as the infamous criminal and Cumberbatch would be playing his brother, though they look absolutely nothing alike-- suspension of disbelief, I suppose.

It'll be interesting to see Cumberbatch in this role that is so vastly different than his Hobbit, Sherlock, and 12 Years A Slave claim to fames. The sophisticated and talented actor should have no problem stepping into the Bostonian's shoes, though. He's proven himself time and again that he not only has range but depth. The casting of this movie is good news for Cumberbatch fans as well, who want to see more of the actor despite the mystery regarding Sherlock's premiere date. While it was just announced that Sherlock's premiere date is "closer," giving fans some hope after so much anticipation, it's still unclear when exactly that will happen.