Benedict Cumberbatch participated in a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on Friday in support of his new film, "The Fifth Estate," and he was asked about Julian Assange's open letter to the actor. In a missive dated Jan. 15, 2013, Assange admonished Cumberbatch for participating in the new film, which tracks the rise of WikiLeaks.


"I believe that you should reconsider your involvement in this enterprise," Assange wrote, before then adding that he wouldn't meet with Cumberbatch, a request the 37-year-old actor made before the film's production began. "By meeting with you, I would validate this wretched film, and endorse the talented, but debauched, performance that the script will force you to give."


Cumberbatch said the letter did give him pause, but also emboldened him into taking the role. His detailed response is below:


He accuses me of being a 'hired gun' as if I am an easily bought cypher for right wing propaganda. Not only do I NOT operate in a moral vacuum but this was not a pay day for me at all. I've worked far less hard for more financial reward. This project was important to me because of the integrity I wanted to bring to provocative difficult but ultimately timely and a truly important figure of our modern times. The idea of making a movie about someone who so far removed from my likeness or situation who brought about an ideal through personal sacrifice that has changed the way we view both social media, the power of the individual to have a voice in that space, and be able to question both the hypocrisies and wrongdoings of organizations and bodies of powerful people that rule our lives. ... This resonated deeply with my beliefs in civil liberty, a healthy democracy, and the human rights of both communities and individuals to question those in authority. I believe that the film, quite clearly, illuminates the great successes of wikileaks and its extraordinary founder Julians Assange. As well as, examining the personalities involved and what become a dysfunctional relationship within that organization. While the legacy of his actions and the organizations continue to evolve and only history will be the true judge of where this is leading us. 'The Fifth Estate' is a powerful, if dramatized, entry point for a discussion about this extraordinary lurch forward in our society. I wanted to create a three dimensional portrait of a man far more maligned in the tabloid press than he is in our film to remind people that he is not just the weird, white haired Australian dude wanted in Sweden, hiding in an embassy behind Harrods. But a true force to be reckoned with, achieved the realization of the great ideal. I'm proud to be involved in tackling such a contentious character and script. There is only personal truth in my opinion, and the film should provoke debate and not consensus. It should be enjoyable and ultimately empowering to realize that Julian has spearheaded a movement that is the foundations stone of 'The Fifth Estate,' people journalism and what that is capable of including finding out the 'truth' for yourself.

For much more from Cumberbatch, including a hilarious anecdote about Ted Danson, head to Reddit for the full AMA.



Loading Slideshow...



  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Sandra Bullock arrived for the premiere of her new film "Gravity" at the 57th BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 10.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Khloe Kardashian supported Kenny 'Babyface' Edwards as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Oct. 10.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    "Grey's Anatomy" actress Sandra Oh stopped by the ABC studios to appear on "Good Morning America" on Oct. 10 in New York City.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Kelly Clarkson attended the American Music Awards Nominees Announcement at BB King's Club in New York City on Oct. 10.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    "Rent" co-stars Rosario Dawson and Taye Diggs attended the Men's Health 25th anniversary celebration at Isola, Mondrian Soho Hotel on Oct. 9 in New York City.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Hayden Panettiere showed off her huge diamond engagement ring as she returned to the Trump Soho Hotel on October 9 in New York City.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Kris Jenner flashed a big smile as she left an office building in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 9, the day after announcing her separation from husband Bruce Jenner.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson posed at the European premiere of "Captain Phillips" on the opening night of the 57th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on Oct. 9 in London.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    A sparkling Kate Hudson shined in a disco ball broken glass dress for a photo shoot in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 8.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Miley Cyrus signed copies of her CD "Bangerz" at Planet Hollywood in New York City Oct. 8.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Lea Michele met Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison of "Glee" for lunch at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 8.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Jessica Alba was seen outside Breakfast Television and the CBC building, promoting her 'The Honest Company' baby products in Toronto on Oct. 8.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Jude Law signed autographs for fans outside the BBC Radio One studios on Oct. 8 in London.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Abbie Cornish attended the MIPCOM party during MIPCOM 2013 in Cannes, France on Oct. 7.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Stacy Keibler hit the road on the Can-Am Spyder, celebrating with an early birthday ride in the open air in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 7.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Khloe Kardashian and Rapper The Game arrived at Tru Night Club in Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 7.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Zooey Deschanel filmed a scene on the beach for her hit show "The New Girl" in Malibu, Calif., on Oct. 7.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Hilary Swank and her boyfriend Laurent Fleury were seen holding hands after a tennis practice in a local park by the Hudson River in Downtown, Manhattan on Oct. 7.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Jackie Chan and Nicole Kidman attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Huading Awards on Oct. 7 in Macao, China.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Miley Cyrus performs live on NBC's "Today" show in Rockefeller Center on October 7, 2013 in New York City




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Selena Gomez stopped to get some gas before heading to a dance studio in Tarzana, Calif., on Oct. 6.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Keith Urban announced the world premiere of The URBAN Guitar Collection -- debuting live on HSN Nov. 3 -- on Oct. 4 in Tampa, Fla.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Katherine Heigl and husband Josh Kelley looked smitten after lunch at Bubby's restaurant in TriBeCa, NYC, on Oct. 4.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Brad Pitt and Shia LaBeouf filmed their new movie 'Fury' in Oxfordshire, England on October 4.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Kim Kardashian posted a photo on Oct. 4 of her daughter, North, who is almost four months old.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Newly engaged Naya Rivera attended the Latina Magazine 'Hollywood Hot List' party at The Redbury Hotel in Hollywood on Oct. 3.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Controversial celebrity photographer Terry Richardson released a series of risque photos of Miley Cyrus on Oct. 3. In them, Cyrus is seen licking a mirror, smoking, and stripping.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Penelope Cruz stunned at a special screening of "The Counselor" at Odeon West End in London on October 3, just two and a half months after welcoming baby girl Luna.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Christina Milian looked beautiful as she stepped out for dinner in West Hollywood, Oct. 3.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Julianne Moore was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Oct. 3 in Los Angeles.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Newlywed Chrissy Teigen, wearing knee-high brown leather boots with a grey top and blue denim hot pants, hailed a taxi in NYC on Oct. 3.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Gwyneth Paltrow filmed a Hugo Boss commercial in downtown Los Angeles on October 3.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Amanda Seyfried and her denim cutoff shorts took Finn for a walk in New York City on October 3.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Cate Blanchett was peach perfection at the New York Film Festival Gala Tribute held in her honor Oct. 2 in New York.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Kerry Washington looked fierce as she headed in for 'The Late Show with David Letterman' taping in New York City, Oct. 2.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Bethenny Frankel did some paddle boarding in the Hudson River in New York City on Oct. 2.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    A bespectacled Katy Perry was seen leaving Colette's store on October 2, in Paris, France.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Khloe Kardashian was spotted filming "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" outside Katsuya Restaurant on October 2, in Encino, Calif.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Jennifer Hudson made her way to a taping 'Good Morning America' in Times Square, NYC, Oct. 2. She looked incredible in a tight red dress and black peeptoe booties.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Julianne Hough spotted chatting on her phone while out and about in New York City, October 1.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts spotted on the set of 'While We're Young' in New York City, October 1.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    A newly blonde Ashley Greene attended the screening Of Xlrator Media's 'CBGB' at ArcLight Cinemas in Los Angeles, Oct. 1.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Ashlee Simpson was seen leaving Vignette Lounge in Hollywood on Oct 1.




  • Celebrity Photos: October 2013


    Sarah Michelle Geller posed outside 'Late Show With David Letterman' in New York City, October 1.




  • Celebrity Photos: September 2013


    Kimye stepped out for dinner in Paris Sept. 30, and Kim stunned in a tight leather skirt paired with a casual white top.




  • Celebrity Photos: September 2013


    Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis arrived on a flight at LAX airport in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 29.




  • Celebrity Photos: September 2013


    Liam Hemsworth was seen out and about in New York City on Sept. 28.




  • Celebrity Photos: September 2013


    Reportedly pregnant Gwen Stefani stepped out in Studio City, California September 27 after dropping off her son Zuma at school .




  • Celebrity Photos: September 2013


    Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham arrive in London September 27, debunking all speculation that they have broken up.




  • Celebrity Photos: September 2013


    Rihanna wore all black as she touched down in Adelaide, Australia on Sept. 26.




  • Celebrity Photos: September 2013


    Rooney Mara carried her little black dog as she made her way out of LAX in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 26.