Benedict Cumberbatch can finally say penguin

Not long ago, the world learned “Sherlock” actor Benedict Cumberbatch couldn’t say the word “penguin,” a charming idiosyncrasy if ever there was one.

“Pengwing?” Yes.

“Pengling?” Yes.

“Penguin?” Oh, heavens no.

Cumberbatch narrated a nature film, and an enterprising YouTuber shared the penguin clip last month so the rest of the Internet could watch and have a chuckle.

Well, it appears he’s fixed that particular malady of diction — and it’s a good thing too, as Cumberbatch will likely start doing the rounds to promote the animated “Penguins of Madagascar” movie, out Nov. 26. Cumberbatch plays a wolf named Classified. Cumberbatch showed off his newfound pronunciation skills on the latest episode of “Graham Norton.” It’s already aired in Great Britain, but will air on BBC America Saturday.

It’s fun to imagine the negotiations before he signed on to the film: “Exactly how self-referential are these peng … pengwings? Penglings? Oh sod it, can’t we just call them tuxedo birds? Everyone will know what we’re talking about.”

Somehow, “Tuxedo Birds of Madagascar” doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.

“I need to check that I’ve said it correctly in the film,” Cumberbatch said.

Ever the good-spirited guest, Cumberbatch studied Norton’s mouth as he enunciated, “Pen – GW – in.” He finally got it right, and the audience cheered its congratulations.

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