Benedict Cumberbatch rules out `Star Wars` role

London: Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed that he is not starring in the highly-anticipated `Star Wars` sequel. Cumberbatch, 37, has long been linked to a role in `Star Wars: Episode Vii`, which would reunite him with his `Star Trek Into Darkness` director JJ Abrams but the `Sherlock` star claims the project is no longer on his radar, reported Contactmusic. "I would`ve liked a part in JJ`s new Star Wars but it won`t happen, sadly," he said. Cumberbatch has however not elaborated on the reasons for the failed deal. Details about the new cast have been kept tightly under wraps, although actress Maisie Richardson-Sellers is among the frontrunners for a leading role, alongside Breaking Bad`s Jesse Plemons and other newcomers John Boyega, Ed Speleers and Matthew James Thomas. `Star Wars: Episode Vii` is scheduled to hit movie theatres in December, 2015.