In an recent interview with InStyle magazine, Benedict Cumberbatch said he visited the London Zoo to study the reptiles in preparation for his role as Smaug the dragon.

“It’s an extrapolation of a performance into something other than an actor. But essentially, you’re still doing a scene.”

Cumberbatch who also stars in the up-coming Star Trek 2 and plays Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock says that his acting parents helped him learn the importance of professionalism.

In other Cumberbatch news, apparently he’s also landed a small guest spot on the Simpsons. Its been recorded, but no word yet on when it might air, or what the part involved.

[The zoo visit] | [The Simpson’s spot]