I was very keen to work on the script with Scott Derrickson and [C. Robert] Cargill, and working out the important story beats, changing lines, upping the comedy, changing the pace, all of that was great fun.

The armoury of having any academic education does not necessarily set you up for being a good or better actor.

There are moments when, like all of us, you get a bit self-conscious and you'd rather not be living any of your day in public. Those are the awkward times, but you've got to have fun with it.

Landing the role of Stephen Hawking was the most positively surprising thing that has happened to me.

I can feel infinitely alive curled up on the sofa reading a book.

I understand from those who adore him, he [Julian Assange] has a great sense of humor which rarely gets an airing because he's dealing with such serious issues.

You let things run in order to have some sanity and be able to do your work and not feel pre-judged.