Benedict Cumberbatch feels ‘so hot’ as executive watching forests burn in advert

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in campaign video that urges people to consider the role of their pension funds in financing fossil fuel projects

Benedict Cumberbatch has stripped down to a towel to portray a chief executive named Benedict Lumberjack in an advert emphasising the involvement of pension funds in fossil fuel projects.

The 48-year-old Sherlock star is heard uttering "I’m so hot right now" as he lounges in a sauna, observing the world’s forests ablaze in a campaign video produced for the group Make My Money Matter. Lumberjack urges people to not "change a thing" and to "keep your pension cash pouring in" because it will benefit individuals like him and "keep the fires of profit burning". "The business of deforestation is on fire and it’s all thanks to you," the character declares.

"We’ve taken billions of your hard-earned pounds and used them to fuel our exploits through the Amazon and beyond."

"The money from your pension has helped scorch, slash and burn entire rainforests, and our profits are growing like, well, wildfire."

"Some parts of the world are literally burning, but you know, it’s just the bits that nobody cares about."

"Look, if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the rainforest."

The advert, crafted by agency Lucky Generals and directed by Sophia Ray, seeks to heighten public awareness of the UK pensions industry's role in funding companies that contribute to the climate crisis. Research from the campaign group discovered that UK pension schemes invest approximately £88bn in fossil fuel companies.

Ray, the director behind the compelling new video, said: "It was a dream to direct a project like this. A strong idea for an extremely important cause, brought to life with a mesmerisingly powerful talent like Benedict.

"It’s a strong reminder that we can align our financial decisions with our values, and I’m proud to be part of this important conversation for change."

Benedict Cumberbatch, hailed for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the acclaimed BBC series and as Doctor Strange in the Marvel cinematic universe, has been previously recognised for his standout performances with Academy Award nominations for 'The Imitation Game' (2014) and 'The Power Of The Dog' (2021). In a similar vein, last year, Oscar-winner Olivia Colman transformed into Oblivia Coalmine, a dominatrix-styled oil executive, for a campaign video by the same organisation.