Variety recently interviewed Benedict Cumberbatch about the iconic roles he’s lately been playing on both TV and cinema, and there’s a small bit where the man talks about his preparation for the role of Smaug.

The relevant excerpt follows:

“I’ll be donning … well, probably not Andy Serkis’ sweaty wet suit … I’m sure they dry clean it.

Playing a reptile is something I don’t believe has been done before. I’ve already started working out, crawling around on my belly whenever I can without alarming people too much.”

Thanks to message board member Oleander Took for the alert!