Benedict Cumberbatch has sounded the alarm on Hollywood, branding it a "grossly wasteful industry," with a particular focus on the astronomical amounts of food that go to waste. During a recent visit to the "Ruthie’s Table 4" podcast, the actor shared harrowing anecdotes from his personal experiences with waste, drawing from his own journey of "body transformation" for his portrayal of Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Though Cumberbatch confessed a deep appreciation for the physical transformation aspect of his profession, he recounted the grueling routine of consuming five meals a day, supplemented by snacks like boiled eggs, crackers, almonds, and cheese – a regimen he described as "horrific." He elaborated, "The workouts are exhilarating, and the final outcome leaves you feeling strong and confident. You carry yourself with more poise and possess an enduring stamina bolstered by both exercise and nutrition. Yet, it's grueling. Personally, I find it revolting to eat beyond one's appetite."
Adding a note of introspection, Cumberbatch pondered, "Reflecting on responsibility, ingenuity, and sustainability, I can't help but wonder, what am I really accomplishing? The quantity of food I consume could nourish an entire family."
Yet, the actor of "The Phoenician Scheme" emphasized that food waste is merely the tip of the iceberg in Hollywood's wasteful practices. "Consider the non-recycled set constructions, transportation emissions, food scraps, temporary housing, and the immense energy consumption needed to simulate daylight and maintain consistent lighting in studio settings – it's an extraordinary expenditure of resources," he remarked.
Acknowledging the criticism often levied at actors who speak out about climate change and excessive consumption in Hollywood, Cumberbatch, who doubles as a producer, remains undeterred in his mission to promote green initiatives and sustainability on sets. "It's about having a polite conversation that questions the necessity of single-use plastics. Seriously, we've evolved beyond that," he stressed. "There's no need to provide the crew with plastic bottles. If we're indeed in the midst of a desert where glass bottles aren't viable, that's understandable. But we're living in the 21st century, after all."
