News Summary
Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his role as Doctor Strange, recently shared insights into his strict diet and exercise regimen while also emphasizing the environmental impact of the film industry. On the podcast ‘Ruthie’s Table 4’, he discussed the challenges of an unsustainable diet and called for eco-friendly practices in Hollywood. Cumberbatch highlighted the need for sustainability while preparing for demanding film roles, reflecting both the pressures on actors and the industry’s responsibility towards environmental conservation.
Los Angeles, CA – Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his role as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), recently opened up about the rigorous exercise and diet regimen he adheres to in preparation for his film roles. During an episode of the podcast “Ruthie’s Table 4,” aired on July 22, Cumberbatch described his experience while emphasizing the environmental impact of his dietary practices.
Cumberbatch has been portraying Doctor Strange since 2016, participating in several high-profile films, including Doctor Strange (2016), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). He is set to reprise his role in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in December 2026.
As part of his preparation for these demanding roles, Cumberbatch follows a rigorous exercise routine, which he described as “great” for enhancing his strength, confidence, posture, and stamina. However, he faced discomfort discussing his diet, labeling it as “horrific.” Cumberbatch noted the challenge of eating well beyond his appetite, emphasizing the unsustainable nature of his diet. He remarked that the quantity of food he consumes could potentially feed a family.
To meet the physical demands of his roles, Cumberbatch’s strict diet requires him to consume five meals daily, supplemented by snacks such as “a couple of boiled eggs” and high-protein pairings like cheese with crackers or almond butter with crackers. While he finds joy in transforming his body for his acting commitments, he remains aware of the ethical implications of overconsumption.
Cumberbatch benefits from the resources provided by the Marvel franchise, including access to a professional chef who prepares meals tailored specifically to his dietary needs. He enjoys the process of achieving body transformation for his roles, considering it an integral part of his acting career.
Aside from his personal regimen, Cumberbatch expressed broader concerns regarding the film industry’s environmental footprint. He characterized the industry as “grossly wasteful,” highlighting the excessive energy consumption associated with filmmaking, which includes transport logistics and lighting operations. Cumberbatch advocated for the adoption of eco-friendly practices in Hollywood to address these pressing issues.
He is a strong proponent of sustainability, taking steps as a producer to implement initiatives aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics on set. His call for greater awareness and action within the film industry points to a growing realization among actors and filmmakers regarding their role in contributing to environmental conservation.
Ironically, despite his restrictive diet, Cumberbatch shared that his comfort food is kale, which he prefers to prepare with olive oil, lemon juice, and chili flakes. This healthier food choice reflects his attempts to balance his nutritional intake amidst the demands of his job.
As discussions around sustainability in Hollywood continue to gain momentum, Cumberbatch’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by actors in balancing their dietary needs with their responsibility towards environmental conservation. His experiences reflect both the physical demands of playing iconic superhero roles and the pressing need for the entertainment industry to adopt more sustainable practices.
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Additional Resources
- Men’s Health UK
- Us Magazine
- Entertainment Weekly
- Wikipedia: Benedict Cumberbatch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Benedict Cumberbatch
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