Benedict Cumberbatch 'Episode VII' Rumor Denied By Reps

On Monday, The Force was strong with a rumor that Benedict Cumberbatch could play a key role in "Star Wars: Episode VII." On Tuesday, the actor's representatives batted down that notion in a statement to the New York Daily News.

“There is no truth to the rumour (sic) Benedict has been cast in 'Star Wars,'" a spokesperson for Cumberbatch told the New York tabloid. "I think the rumours (sic) are circling because J.J. [Abrams] and Benedict have just recently had a wonderful time working together on 'Star Trek.'"

The website Film Chronicles was first to report that Cumberbatch might star in "Episode VII," but the idea that Abrams would cast Cumberbatch in the film had been circulating around the internet for the better part of the last week. In fact, despite protestations from some about giving platform to the Cumberbatch story, many film writers and reporters have openly commented on the rumor via Twitter after the news broke on Monday afternoon:

I see @screencrushnews went with the STAR WARS rumor: Benedict Cumberbatch. I hear he's the villain, if he's in it.

— Devin Faraci (@devincf) September 2, 2013

I'm not saying Cumberbatch will be in the movie - no deal is done, period - I just think these people straight up lie to press.

— Devin Faraci (@devincf) September 2, 2013

This isn't the first time Cumberbatch and Abrams have found themselves in the middle of a controversy: Abrams was famously coy about who Cumberbatch was playing in "Star Trek Into Darkness," though many knew and anticipated that the 37-year-old was starring in the film as famed villain Khan.

For it's part, Lucasfilm declined to comment on the Cumberbatch rumor when contacted Monday by HuffPost Entertainment. The studio also declined to comment to the website ScreenCrush.

For more on Cumberbatch, head to the New York Daily News' website.

[via NYDN]