Renowned actor Benedict Cumberbatch has openly voiced his concerns over Hollywood’s environmental negligence, labeling the entertainment industry as “grossly wasteful.” Known for portraying Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Benedict opened up during a recent appearance on Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast, where he discussed the extensive ecological footprint of film production and the urgent need for sustainability.
Cumberbatch shed light on the immense resources consumed in movie-making, including energy-intensive studio lighting, excessive transportation, and set designs that are seldom reused. He reflected on his own experience undergoing a drastic physical transformation for his superhero role, which required him to consume five high-calorie meals a day — a practice he later deemed excessive and morally conflicting.
“It’s a grossly wasteful industry. From unrecycled sets to single-use materials and over-the-top food services, the level of consumption is alarming,” Benedict said. He added that actors often face criticism for speaking out on climate issues due to perceptions of hypocrisy, given the luxurious lifestyle often associated with film stars.
Highlighting his personal efforts to drive change, Cumberbatch shared that he’s using his position as a producer to implement sustainable practices on set. These include eliminating single-use plastics, reducing energy consumption, and promoting a culture of mindfulness among crew members. “Eating beyond your appetite and generating unnecessary waste just feels wrong. It really made me question what I was contributing to,” he noted.
As he advocates for change behind the scenes, Benedict is also busy with his upcoming film, The Roses, a modern adaptation of Warren Adler’s 1981 novel The War of the Roses. The movie, which originally saw a 1989 adaptation starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, will now feature Benedict alongside Olivia Colman. The two actors will portray a couple locked in a dramatic, self-destructive divorce.
With The Roses on the horizon, Benedict Cumberbatch continues to challenge the norms of his industry — not just through storytelling, but also by calling for environmental responsibility in every aspect of production.
