Benedict Cumberbatch believes he will be able to stay "grounded" as his fame increases.
The 36-year-old actor has landed the biggest role of his career yet in the form of villain John Harrison in sci-fi sequel ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ and he is set to become recognizable across the world.
Benedict – who became a household name in the UK through his titular role in ‘Sherlock’, a modern day re-imagining of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes – is aware of his increasing celebrity status but is confident he can follow the examples set by some of his thespian friends and stay normal.
Speaking about his increase in fame, Benedict said: "Yes, everyone’s saying that … ‘It’s going to go to another level’, ‘Benedict blasts off’, ‘It’s going into warp drive’, and all those terrible puns!
"But I go, ‘Well, yeah, I know James McAvoy, and he’s OK. Michael Fassbender, I know a little bit, and he’s doing fine.’ It’s possible to remain grounded."
While he is confident he can keep his ego in check and avoid the pitfalls of celebrity, the actor is surprised by the reaction of his fans when he meets them.
Benedict is flattered that Trekkies and ‘Sherlock’ viewers get very excited when they meet him and want to see him shoot scenes and he admires their tenacity.
In an interview with Time Out magazine, he said: "It’s all a bit of an adjustment. I can’t be anything but flattered because of all the attention towards the work. It does get strange when you realize people will hang around for hours to get a glimpse of you doing scenes outside."