Benedict Cumberbatch Stars in Unique Holiday Ads

Benedict Cumberbatch has taken on a unique role in two bizarre holiday advertisements, one for the video game 'World of Tanks' and the other for Amazon's '5-Star Theater' campaign. In the World of Tanks ad, Cumberbatch's gravitas is juxtaposed with the game's often whimsical and chaotic themes, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

According to PC Gamer, the game sometimes feels more like a marketing vehicle due to its considerable ad budget. His participation in the Amazon campaign features him performing real customer reviews as theatrical monologues, a concept that Amazon previously explored with Adam Driver in 2022.

Adweek reports that the reviews used in Cumberbatch's performance were selected through Amazon's internal AI tools, aiming to find the most oddly specific feedback from users. This approach adds an element of humor, contrasting Cumberbatch's serious acting style with the quirky nature of the reviews.

Amazon plans to stream these ads across major platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Lyft, Uber, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount, and Roku, as well as during several NFL football games. This strategy marks an innovative approach to holiday marketing, highlighting how celebrities like Cumberbatch are leveraged to enhance promotional efforts during the festive season.

Cumberbatch is known for his roles as Smaug and Sauron in 'The Hobbit' films, Khan in 'Star Trek Into Darkness', and Dr. Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making him a household name. The report suggests that this campaign reflects a growing trend of integrating high-profile actors into marketing strategies that blur the lines between entertainment and advertising.