Benedict Cumberbatch announces strange ‘World Of Tanks’ Christmas collab

Benedict Cumberbatch is the latest star to get involved with military strategy game World Of Tanks.

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World Of Tanks’ annual Christmas event kicks off next week (December 5) and will feature Benedict Cumberbatch as the “official ambassador” for the holiday event.

According to a press release, players can look forward to a “magical winter adventure” filled with “festive missions, dazzling rewards and holiday surprises.” Cumberbatch appears in-game to dish out special assignments and also stars as an unlockable tank commander.

He will also star in a new World Of Tanks short film that follows shy office worker Sebastian trying to pluck up the courage to talk to his crush Sarah. Luckily for him, Cumberbatch plays a “witty, slightly eccentric” therapist who helps him face his fears through “clever, unconventional exercises”. 

“The result is a warm, funny and gently surreal story about courage, connection and a shared love of World Of Tanks – a festive reminder that bravery often begins in the most unexpected ways,” reads a description of the short.

“I’m thrilled to be part of World of Tanks’ Holiday Ops this year,” said Benedict Cumberbatch in a statement. “It’s a game that celebrates strategy, teamwork and thinking a few steps ahead. I really enjoyed collaborating with the team and bringing a new flavour to that world – along with a bit of festive spirit. Wishing all the players a fantastic holiday season.”

The holiday events runs from December 5 to January 12, 2026.

“What a wild crossover, Sherlock as a tank commander, never thought I’d see that,” one fan wrote on Reddit. ”What an excellent production! Great atmosphere throughout the whole video and everything is just so tasteful, really feels like Christmas is just around the corner,” added another. “Honestly, kinda odd choice,” said a third. 

Already this year, World Of Tanks has reunited KISS’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as well launching collabs with Peaky Blinders and Tomb Raider‘s Lara Croft.

In other news, a mammoth Kill Bill x Fortnite collab goes live this weekend with the world premiere of a lost scene starring Uma Thurman – but some fans aren’t impressed.