From Overeating to Overlighting: Cumberbatch Critiques Hollywood’s Appetite for More
Marvel-sized meals and massive energy use aren’t the whole story.
Benedict Cumberbatch is no stranger to physical transformations. For his role as Doctor Strange in the Marvel films, he ate five meals a day. Snacks included boiled eggs, almonds, and cheese. But behind the bulk-up was a growing sense of discomfort.
"It’s horrific eating beyond your appetite," he said on the Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast. "I could feed a family with the amount I’m eating."
Food, however, is just one piece of the puzzle. Cumberbatch described Hollywood as a "grossly wasteful industry." He pointed to other issues: massive set builds that get scrapped, endless flights, and high-power lighting rigs. "Think about the wattage," he said — even artificial sunlight comes at a real cost.
These concerns don’t come without risk. Cumberbatch acknowledged that actors are often called hypocrites when speaking about sustainability.
Still, he’s trying to make small changes where he can. As a producer, he pushes for more responsible choices on set.One example? Replacing plastic bottles with reusable ones — unless you’re filming in the middle of a desert, of course.
"We’re in the 21st century," he added. "We should act like it."
Right now, Cumberbatch is on the press tour for The Roses. It’s a reimagining of The War of the Roses, co-starring Olivia Colman.The film centres on a bitterly unraveling marriage. After Marvel’s multiverses, it’s a sharp turn into something far more human.
Cumberbatch’s remarks offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities of big-budget filmmaking. Whether anything changes remains to be seen — but the conversation, at least, is on the table.
