Remember how a few months ago we reported that Benedict Cumberbatch, a.k.a. the man with the best name in Hollywood, was going to burst onto the scene like crazy in 2013? Well, just a few weeks into the new year, we’re being treated with a first-look photo of Cumberbatch starring as controversial Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in the upcoming film “The Fifth Estate.”

The photo gives us a sneak peek at Cumberbatch donning the titular bleached-blonde coif Assange is known for, with bespectacled costar Daniel Bruhl, playing colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, by his side. The film is purportedly based on Daniel’s time working with Assange and his book, Inside WikiLeaks: My Time with Julian Assange and the World’s Most Dangerous Website. I think it’s safe to say that all eyes will be on Cumberbatch and his portrayal of the fugitive, and while there is no new information on a release date, the stripped-from-the-headlines topic and strong cast could prove it to be next year’s Oscar bait.

On board for the ride is director Bill Condon, no stranger to Oscar glory himself, winning one for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1999, as well as directing such Academy Award fare as “Dreamgirls” and “Kinsey”. Rounding out the stellar cast for the film are indie favorites Laura Linney (“Kinsey”), Anthony Mackie (“The Hurt Locker”, “Half Nelson”), and David Thewlis (better known as Professor Lupin from “Harry Potter”).

So needless to say, we’re off to a pretty great start for what is sure to be a Cumberbatch-laden year. The star on the rise will soon be gracing the big screen as the as-yet-unnamed villain in “Star Trek Into Darkness”, a film that is guaranteed to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. And oh yeah, he’ll also be appearing in a wee little franchise you may have heard of, “The Hobbit.” Pfew, busy year! I’m sure Mr. Bandersnatch Cummerbund could use a break, but for me, being the selfish person I am, I hope he keeps up his manic pace.