FIRST LOOK: Benedict Cumberbatch gets a blonde makeover to take on controversial role of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

Julian Assange is currently holed up in London's Ecuadorian embassy as he continues to fight extradition.
And in what is expected to be one of his most challenging roles, here's a first look at Benedict Cumberbatch as the controversial WikiLeaks founder in an upcoming film.
The 36-year-old Sherlock Holmes actor has covered his own brown hair in a platinum blond bobbed wig as he started filming The Fifth Estate this week.

First look: Benedict Cumberbatch (left) as Julian Assange and Daniel Brühl as Daniel Domscheit-Berg on location on The Fifth Estate

Alongside him is Inglourious Basterds star Daniel Brühl as German tech activist Daniel Domscheit-Berg, former WikiLeaks spokesman.
The upcoming move, directed by Bill Condon and written by Josh Singer, is partially based on Domscheit-Berg's book Inside WikiLeaks: My Time With Julian Assange at the World's Most Dangerous Website.
However, WikiLeaks have not given their blessing to the film, which is due for release in November this year.
WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson said recently: 'If the film reflects what is written in those books, it will provide a negative view of WikiLeaks with limited impartiality. Hollywood is not exactly the best reflection of contemporary history.

The real McCoy: Julian Assange during his long-haired days in December 2011

'I don’t believe WikiLeaks or Julian has been contacted by Dreamworks, but I don’t expect any courtesy from any organisation within Hollywood.'
The Dreamworks movie also stars Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie and David Thewlis.
It remains to be seen if Assange will still be camping out at the Ecuadorian embassy in London by the time the movie hits cinemas.
A few days before Christmas, the Australian activist made a rare public appearance from the balcony of the embassy.
Marking his six month anniversary within the building, he insisted the 'door is open' for talks to ensure his safe passage to Sweden to challenge allegations of sexual assault - which he denies.

All change: Benedict with his normal brown hair earlier this month (left) and Julian at the Ecuador embassy in London last month

The Australian has since been granted political asylum in Ecuador but has remained inside the embassy as he will be arrested if he steps outside over breaking his bail conditions.
Assange is wanted for questioning in Sweden over the sexual assault allegations, but fears being sent to the United States to be questioned over his whistle-blowing website.
He said last month that the Pentagon claimed recently that the existence of WikiLeaks was an 'ongoing crime'.
He said: 'While that remains the case and while my government will not defend the journalism and publishing of WikiLeaks, I must remain here.
‘However, the door is open, and the door has always been open, for anyone who wishes to use standard procedures to speak to me or guarantee my safe passage.'