It looks as though producers working on the forthcoming WikiLeaks movie The Fifth Estate have well and truly nailed the casting process. Based on the book by Guardian writers David Leigh and Luke Harding, the movie is now officially in production, and the first on-set photograph shows Benedict Cumberbatch in full garb as the whistleblowing anti-hero Julian Assange. The Sherlock stars looks pretty impressive with dyed white-blond hair and the Swede's signature green parka.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Julian Assange, The Fifth EstateBenedict Cumberbatch [L] As Julian Assange and Daniel Bruhl [R] As Daniel Domscheit-Berg

Inglorious Basterds star Daniel Bruhl also looks the part as Assange's confidant Daniel Domscheit-Berg. The movie, written by The West Wing's Josh Singer, began principal photography at an undisclosed location this week. It focuses on the early dates of the non-profit site that became notorious for leaking secret information and military news leaks. In November 2010, Assange and WikiLeaks collaborated with major global media organisations to release U.S. State department "cables." The movie is said to focus on the website's early days, and - according to the Guardian - is tipped as a "celluloid document of Assange's meteoric rise into the public consciousness." 

In statement released by DreamWorks, director Bill Condon said, "It may be decades before we understand the full impact of WikiLeaks and how it's revolutionized the spread of information.So this film won't claim any long view authority on its subject, or attempt any final judgment. We want to explore the complexities and challenges of transparency in the information age and, we hope, enliven and enrich the conversations WikiLeaks has already provoked."

The Fifth Estate has been earmarked for a November 15 release, i.e., it's Oscar bait. It's stellar cast also includes Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie and David Thewlis. 

Watch A Clip Of We Steal Secrets: The Story Of WikiLeaks, A Documentary Set For Release Later This Year