Benedict Cumberbatch as the Smaug dragon
Here is what the actor recalls about his role in The Hobbit:
I remember saying to Peter: “Are you serious? I got the role of a dragon?” He told me: “Yes, yes. Your audition tapes are just perfect!
We are very satisfied. However, you can play someone else!” Me: “Can I play the dragon only?” — “But you are already playing the dragon!” “Yes, but I want to act out it physically using motion capture technology and facial expressions!” “Well, you can do it if you want.” That is how it all began. <…> The trick is that he is not just a dragon, some kind of reptile that can breathe fire and fly. He speaks English and has emotions: fear, jealousy, pride, vanity. It was important for me to convey all of these emotions.
