The star stepped in at no cost – and at short notice – to narrate the film about the death of the great-grandson of Hobbit creator JRR Tolkien from the devastating disease. Cumberbatch, who starred in the film version of the classic fantasy novel, commands up to £7.5million a film. But after hearing from Royd Tolkien, whose brother Mike died aged 39, he waived his fee in a secret deal.
The film portrays Mike’s battle with the neurodegenerative disease and the bucket list he left for actor and film maker Royd, 49, which included a canyon swing tied to a chair.
“Benedict made the most noble, private and breathtaking tribute to my brother,” Royd said. “On his deathbed [Mike] told me he’d left a secret list with 50 challenges I had to complete around the world.
“We made a film of my journey and the detailed narration is a key part.
“The budget was finished and I was devastated. It needed a big name, but I felt Mike’s spirit and just rolled the dice.
“Benedict is my favourite actor so I simply emailed to ask a colossal and free favour.
“I was on urgent deadline and realistically expected nothing in return.”
Royd, of North Wales, said: “An apology message soon appeared, it said as soon as his plane landed in the UK Benedict was being rushed into the studio to record the voice for The Grinch, it looked to be an impossible task. Then, in a surreal twist, at 9pm that evening I heard a ping on my computer. An email simply said: ‘All done!’.
He added: “Benedict’s secret gesture is the most incredible tribute to Mike.
“I am overwhelmed – the key thing is that his kindness was done in secret.
“Thanks to his gift, we are taking offers from all around the world and will soon decide which platform to release the incredible film on.
“Boasting an A-list star means we are receiving offers from the streaming giants.”
Mike died in 2015, three years after he was diagnosed.
Cumberbatch, who played physicist and MND sufferer Stephen Hawking in a BBC biopic, is a patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.