Julian Assange begged Benedict Cumberbatch not to accept role in WikiLeaks movie
JULIAN ASSANGE pleaded with Benedict Cumberbatch not to accept the lead role in a new film about the WikiLeaks founder.
The Australian, who has been living inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London for over a year, emailed Cumberbatch days before The Fifth Estate started filming.
Assange, who is still wanted by Swedish police in relation to a sexual assault investigation, has been vociferous in his opposition to the film, describing it as a "massive propaganda attack" on him.
Cumberbatch said: "It was a very considered, thorough, charming and intelligent account of why he though this was morally wrong for me to be part of something he thought was going to be damaging in real terms - not just perceptions but to the reality of the outcome for himself.
"He characterised himself as a political refugee, and with Manning awaiting trial, and other supporters of WikiLeaks who have been detained or might be awaiting detention, and the organisation itself - all of that being under threat if I took part in this film."
The Fifth Estate, which is released in October, is based on two books, one by German technology activist Daniel Domscheit-Berg and the other by Luke Harding and David Leigh.
Cumberbatch plays Assange as WikiLeaks is thrust into the spotlight after releasing numerous significant documents, many relating to US involvement in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
The British actor, who made several attempts to meet Assange before filming began, has defended the project and says the film conveys Assange's ideas, integrity and self-sacrifice.
Cumberbatch also admitted to taking the role partly to do with his own vanity but denied "acting in a moral vacuum".
The star, who will feature in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug later in the year, said he felt there was a place for secrets in the modern world.
He said: "If they are saving lives, how can we say that's less important than civil liberties? You don't have any civil liberties if you're dead."