Cumberbatch had been in New Zealand filming Jane Campion’s latest directorial project The Power of the Dog when coronavirus broke out, and Cumberbatch’s rep said he was advised to remain there.
“Benedict was advised to stay put. Filming shut down so close to the New Zealand lockdown that Benedict and Sophie decided to take that advice and not to risk 24 hours’ travel for the three under five children and Benedict’s octogenarian parents,” the representative told MailOnline.
“It was also out of consideration for how best to get the film completed for Jane Campion that he has stayed in accommodation that production helped to find and finance.
“He is currently in pre-production and due to restart filming in June. Once that filming is complete he is looking forward to immediately returning home to the UK.”
The 43-year-old is residing at a luxury Hawke’s Bay lodge with his wife Sophie Hunter and their children, as well as his parents who are in their 80s.
While Cumberbatch had been spotted in numerous locations around the country prior to lockdown, speculation he had remained in New Zealand ramped up when he took part in a virtual reading of James and the Giant Peach organised by Taika Waititi.
Viewers noticed Cumberbatch’s study seen in the background resembled that of the Summerlee Luxury Retreat in Te Awanga.
The accommodation is believed to cost up to $3500 a night to rent.
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