Ep 36. 'Girls'' Lena Dunham and 'Sherlock's' Benedict Cumberbatch

In this episode of Popcorn with Peter Travers, season 5 episode 36, we are blessed with the presence of not one but two talented actors – Lena Dunham and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The conversation starts with Lena Dunham, the creator and star of the hit HBO series "Girls." Dunham talks about the final season of the show, which just ended after six seasons and how it felt to say goodbye to her character Hannah and the rest of the girls. She discusses the evolution of her character and how they wanted to end the show on a high note. Dunham also talks about her journey as a writer and how writing is her constant companion.

Moving on to Benedict Cumberbatch, the star of the BBC series "Sherlock" and various movies like "The Imitation Game" and "Doctor Strange." Travers asks Cumberbatch about his upcoming film "The Current War," in which he plays Thomas Edison. Cumberbatch shares his thoughts on playing American inventor Edison, his research for the role and how he captured Edison's character accurately. He also talks about the importance of representation in Hollywood and how there should be more diversity in the film industry.

Cumberbatch also touches on his involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Strange. He speaks about his experience working on the films and how excited he was to bring the character to life. Travers quizzes Cumberbatch on his knowledge of the comics and how he prepared for the role.

The topics then shift towards the actor's personal interests and pastimes. Dunham shares her love of poetry and film, specifically referencing the work of Stanley Kubrick and Jonathan Franzen. Cumberbatch discusses his passion for music, his admiration of bands like Radiohead, and even sings a bit of one of his favorite Radiohead songs "Karma Police" for the audience.

Towards the end of the episode, Travers asks Dunham and Cumberbatch about their experiences with fame and how it has affected their personal lives. The two actors share the pros and cons of being in the public eye and how they try to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. They also talk about the importance of using their platforms to bring attention to important issues like mental health and gender equality.

Overall, this episode of Popcorn with Peter Travers is a great showcase of two talented actors discussing their craft, passions, and experiences. It's an insightful and engaging conversation that fans of Dunham and Cumberbatch won't want to miss.