When Benedict Cumberbatch’s mispronunciation of 'Penguin' became the internet’s favorite comedy video

Benedict Cumberbatch is a man of many talents. His 25-year acting career has spanned different mediums like films, television, radio, and theater. The Hollywood heartthrob has earned legions of fans with his stellar performances in films like Atonement, The Imitation Game, The Other Boleyn Girl, 12 Years a Slave, The Power of the Dog, 1917, to name a few.

But, the role that brought him the most recognition was Dr. Stephen Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since 2016, he has played the character in films like Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Ragnarok, Spider-Man: No Way Home, etc.

The two-time Oscar nominee has also done extensive voice over work in his career and has narrated many documentaries in his distinguished baritone voice. However, he ran into an unexpected problem while narrating the six-part nature documentary, South Pacific, in 2009 as he repeatedly mispronounced the word 'penguin.'

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Benedict Cumberbatch struggles to say the word 'Penguin'

Benedict Cumberbatch seen at the New York premiere of Penguins Of Madagascar in 2014 (Image via Getty)

The BBC documentary, South Pacific, centers around the natural history of the South Pacific region and the animal population, including penguins, that call it home. At different points in the documentary, the British actor unwittingly mispronounced the word 'penguins' at least four different ways.

He can be heard calling the aquatic, flightless birds as 'penglings,' 'pengwings,' 'pengwengs,' and even penwangs.'

A few years later in 2014, the hilarious incident was revisited by Graham Norton on his talk show, The Graham Norton Show. Benedict Cumberbatch appeared on the show to promote the animated film, Penguins of Madagascar. He played an Eurasian wolf in the film directed by Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith.

Benedict Cumberbatch proceeded to tell the host that he was "completely terrified of the word," adding that he doesn't "go near it" anymore.

He also seemed amused that the error was not caught and fixed in time as he was surrounded by a team of natural history experts throughout his narration. By the end of the episode, the actor attempts to say 'penguins' and gets it right with help from Graham.

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Benedict Cumberbatch starred in the 2023 biblical drama The Book of Clarence

Benedict Cumberbatch's latest film role was in the 2023 biblical comedy-drama film, The Book of Clarence. The movie was directed and written by Jeymes Samuel, who also co-produced the film alongside Jay-Z, James Lassiter, and Tendo Nagenda.

The movie is set in 33 AD in Jerusalem and follows Jesus' rise in popularity as his ministry gains prominence. Clarence, played by LaKeith Stanfield, decides to profit from the situation by claiming to be a new Messiah. However, his attempts to become rich and clear debts leads to unforeseen consequences. Benedict stars in a small role as Benjamin who crosses paths with Jesus and Clarence.

The film's star cast includes Benedict Cumberbatch, LaKeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, RJ Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Brian Bovell, Teyana Taylor, James McAvoy, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, among others.

The Book of Clarence was released in the United States on January 12, 2024. The film received favorable reviews, but was a box office failure as Box Office Mojo reported that the movie grossed $6 million against a budget of $40 million.

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