Benedict Cumberbatch, the English actor and film producer who portrays the titular character in the BBC smash hit "Sherlock," continues to keep busy with his film career and events, such as the upcoming reburial ceremony for distant relative Richard III.

Beyond his role as the world's most beloved sleuth, there are numerous rumors floating around regarding the actor's busy acting and social schedule, including a possible lead role in the Harry Potter spin-off film "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," and so much more.

According to rumors, Cumberbatch was slotted to play the part of Newt in the upcoming film. However, conflicting sources insist that Cumberbatch opted to forgo that role in favor of Hamlet on stage at the Barbican Theatre. Instead, former "Doctor Who" actor Matt Smith is expected to take on the role of the 'magizooligist' Newt Scamander in J.K. Rowling's screen adaption. Smith has also been rumored to appear in the action-thriller "Terminator: Genisys."

Even without "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" on his résumé, the actor's schedule is crowded with an upcoming part in "Magik," "Black Mass," "Jungle Book: Origins," Marvel's "Doctor Strange," "Flying Horse," and, of course, his continued contribution to "Sherlock." Also, atop of that, Benedict will portray Richard III, the Duke of Gloucester and King of England from 1483 until his death in 1485, in an upcoming BBC Two mini-series, titled "The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses." This is exciting for numerous reasons: not only is the actor a decedent of Richard III, but he will take part of a reburial ceremony for Richard III on Thursday, March 26, where the actor will read a poem.

Cumberbatch will recite verses for his third cousin, 16 times removed, at the Gloucester Cathedral, and he will be reading the original work of U.K. Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. The freshly commissioned piece, titled "Richard," has been described as "a meditation on the impact of his finding and on the legacy of his story." The entire ceremony will lay King Richard III to rest after his remains were discovered beneath a parking lot in Leicester, England in 2012. King Richard III's tomb inside the cathedral is expected to be unveiled on Friday.

Cumberbatch's budding film career, new marriage, soon-to-arrive child and personal commitments somehow haven't distracted Cumberbatch from his commitment to his "Sherlock" fans, nor has it stopped the Golden Globe nominated actor from embracing new opportunities, such as the chance to host the Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai in just a few months.

The special "Sherlock" episode will air near Christmas this year, and the fourth season of the series is expected to air on the BBC during the early months of 2016.

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