Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has labeled Hollywood as "grossly wasteful" and also called out the industry for excessive use of resources for set building, lighting, etc. He also shared his experience of eating five meals daily for physical transformation, which 'could feed a family'. The actor also urged for environmental-friendly practices on set.
Benedict Cumberbatch slams Hollywood
During an episode of Ruth Rogers’ food-focused podcast, Ruthie's Table 4, he spoke about the wastage of resources on sets, and the diet he had to follow for his "body transformation" for his role as Doctor Strange.
"It’s a grossly wasteful industry. You think about set builds that aren’t recycled, the transport, the food, the housing, the light and energy. The wattage needed to create consistent daylight in a studio is massive. So when actors speak out about climate or excess or systemic issues, they get slammed because they’re seen as hypocritical," Benedict said.
The 49-year-old actor also shared studios covering the costs for actors by keeping personal chefs who make special meals as per the need. Recalling his own experience, he said he would eat five meals a day to play Doctor Strange in MCU.
Cumberbatch said it makes one think about "responsibility, resourcefulness, sustainability." "I think it’s horrific eating beyond your appetite. It feels wrong. I’d think, ‘What am I doing? I could feed a family with the amount I’m eating’," he said.
The Sherlock actor also shared that as an actor and a producer, he is trying to promote green initiatives, which includes trying not have any single-use plastic. "People have water bottles. You can provide a tap or water urn instead of handing out plastic bottles—unless you’re literally in a desert with no other option," he added.
Benedict Cumberbatch work front
Cumberbatch is currently on a promotional spree for his upcoming movie, The Roses, which is slated to release on August 29. The film also stars Olivia Colman. Directed by Jay Roach, the dark comedy is inspired by the 1989 classic The War of the Roses, based on the 1981 novel by Warren Adler.
