Benedict Cumberbatch’s audition for “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013). Benedict and Martin Freeman sent their audition tapes at the same time for this film, while filming the first season of “Sherlock”! Apparently, Cumberbatch did not hear from the production of “The Hobbit” for nearly a year, before they confirmed he got the part. He plays the majestic and menacing dragon Smaug, and not only does he lend his voice but also provides motion-capture performance for the creature! Absolut

Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Smaug in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is nothing short of transformative, combining physicality, vocal prowess, and emotional depth to create one of the most memorable dragons in cinematic history. His rich, gravelly voice infuses Smaug with a chilling blend of intelligence and malice, delivering lines with an almost hypnotic cadence that perfectly captures the dragon’s arrogance and disdain for mortals. Through motion capture, Cumberbatch’s performance