Benedict Cumberbatch’s representative has confirmed that the star and his family are currently self-isolating in New Zealand, after production on his film The Power of the Dog came to a halt “so close to the New Zealand lockdown.”
The Jane Campion-directed project was being filmed there and subsequently shut down, as with many film and television sets amidst the coronavirus pandemic. He has since been reportedly seen in Hawke’s Bay with his family and a spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Mail that he was “advised to stay put.”
Cumberbatch is expected to be there for at least another month, as his spokesperson revealed that he will return to the UK after the film has been shot - though the cast and crew will only resume filming in June.
They said, “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.”
“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,” they continued. “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.”
Cumberbatch is believed to be staying at a luxury hotel in Hawke’s Bay, along with his wife Sophie Hunter and two sons.
According to New Zealand’s Ministry of Health website, there are 1,504 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. New Zealand has started to ease lockdown restrictions and schools and businesses have been allowed to reopen “if they can do it safely.” Gatherings of up to ten people are also allowed.
Other notable figures have confirmed that they are self-isolating elsewhere, with many being criticised for the decision on social media.
For example, Scottish actor Sam Heughan’s decision to self-isolate in Hawaii and Gordon Ramsay’s to move to his second home in Cornwall have received backlash.
