Benedict Cumberbatch criticizes Marvel diet, Hollywood waste practices

Benedict Cumberbatch has openly criticized the excessive and wasteful nature of Hollywood, particularly highlighting the demanding diet regimen required for his role as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. On the Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast, he described the superhero diet—consisting of five meals a day plus snacks like boiled eggs and almond butter crackers—as "horrific" and ethically troubling, noting that the quantity of food he consumed could feed a family. While he enjoys the exercise and physical transformation that come with such roles, Cumberbatch expressed discomfort with the industry's broader environmental impact, including unrecycled set builds, energy consumption, and plastic waste. As a producer, he actively promotes greener practices on set, such as eliminating single-use plastics and advocating for sustainability agreements, despite acknowledging the challenges and accusations of hypocrisy in the entertainment industry. His comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some applauding his candor and others urging him to reconsider participating in blockbuster films if he is serious about reform. Cumberbatch is currently not expected to appear in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday but has a significant role planned in Secret Wars, suggesting he is balancing his career with a growing commitment to sustainability.