DreamWorks Studios says filming has begun on a movie about WikiLeaks, starring Benedict Cumberbatch (TV's Sherlock) as the website's controversial founder, Julian Assange.

The Fifth Estate also stars Daniel Bruhl as Daniel Domscheit-Berg, an early WikiLeaks associate who eventually fell out with Assange.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Julian Assange (left) with Daniel Bruhl as Daniel Domscheit-Berg film the WikiLeaks drama, The Fifth Estate, in Reykjavik, Iceland. Credit:Frank Connor//AP/DreamWorks Studios

Early filming has been taking place in Iceland. A photo released on Wednesday by producers shows Cumberbatch and Bruhl on location in Reykjavik.

Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie and Dan Stevens are among the cast of the film, due for release in November.