Benedict Cumberbatch In The Hollow Crown: War Of The Roses Goes To Battle Clad In Armor; The Best Irish And British Actors Come Together For The Shakespeare-Based Series!

Benedict Cumberbatch in "The Hollow Crown: War of the Roses" trades his suave looks for longish curly hair and an armor with matching sword, as he goes to battle playing the role of Richard III.

The Guardian reported that the "Sherlock" actor is among the group of notable British actors who would star alongside equally distinguished Irish actors for the new TV series. The series is based on Shakespeare's "Henry VI" and "Richard III," which comprise the first two sets of his historical tetralogy.

With his acquired look, Benedict Cumberbatch in "The Hollow Crown: War of the Roses" is almost unrecognizable at first glance, if not for his trademark high cheekbones and piercing stare. But as observed by We Got This Covered, the actor's chiseled good looks belies the twisted nature of his character.

Nonetheless, they still think he fits the role well, giving Richard's character an edgier and more realistic visage compared to that of Laurence Olivier (who first took on the role). This BBC adaptation of Richard III is the last section of the series entitled "The Hollow Crown." Accordingly, it is a compilation of Shakespeare's plays under "War of the Roses," which starts with Richard II.

Benedict Cumberbatch in "The Hollow Crown: War of the Roses" heads the star-studded cast that also includes other well-known performers such as Judi Dench, Sophie Okonedo, Tom Sturridge and Keeley Hawes.

The Guardian added more recognized names into the list of actors: Michael Gambon, Philip Glenister, Andrew Scott and Hugh Bonneville for the second series.  The upcoming series picks up where the first one aired on BBC2 two years back (2012) left off. It took seven years for the proposed idea to materialize, and Sam Mendes, the show's executive producer, could never be more delighted now that production is underway.

This part of the series would run until 2016, reported We Got This Covered. And for avid fans of the "Sherlock" actor, this means they would get to have their fill of seeing him do battles and discharge his kingly duties on the little screen.