Benedict Cumberbatch has openly criticized Hollywood for being a “grossly wasteful industry” during a recent podcast appearance. The actor highlighted the film industry’s excessive use of resources, from food waste to energy consumption, and urged for more sustainable practices.
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Concerns Over Food Waste
While speaking on Ruthie’s Table 4, a food-focused podcast, Cumberbatch shared his experience of eating five meals a day to bulk up for his role as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He described the process as “horrific” and questioned the ethics of consuming so much food when others go hungry.
“It’s horrific eating beyond your appetite. Going back to responsibility and resourcefulness and sustainability, it’s just like, ‘What am I doing? I could feed a family with the amount I’m eating,’” he said.
His diet included high-protein snacks like boiled eggs, almonds, and cheese, which he admitted felt excessive. While he appreciated the physical transformation for his roles, he criticized the industry’s lack of eco-consciousness in managing such dietary demands.
Hollywood’s Environmental Impact Beyond Food
Cumberbatch didn’t just focus on food waste. He pointed out several areas where Hollywood contributes to environmental damage:
- Unrecycled set builds – Many film sets are torn down and discarded instead of being reused.
- Excessive energy use – Studio lighting requires massive amounts of electricity to simulate natural daylight.
- Transportation and housing – Large crews traveling to locations and staying in temporary accommodations add to carbon emissions.
- Single-use plastics – Many film sets still rely on disposable plastic bottles instead of sustainable alternatives.
“Think about set builds that aren’t recycled, think about transport, think about food, think about housing, but also light and energy. The amount of wattage you need to create daylight and consistent light in a studio environment. It’s a lot of energy,” he explained.
Actors Face Criticism for Speaking Out
Cumberbatch acknowledged that actors often get labeled as hypocrites when they talk about sustainability, given Hollywood’s high carbon footprint. However, he emphasized that change must come from systemic reforms, not just individual efforts.
As both an actor and producer, he pushes for “green initiatives” on sets, such as banning single-use plastics.
“You don’t have to give the crew plastic bottles. If you’re in the middle of a desert and you can’t get glass bottles there, fair enough. But we’re in the 21st century,” he said.
Industry Efforts and Challenges
Some studios have taken steps toward sustainability. Disney has pledged to use 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2030, while actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jane Fonda advocate for environmental causes. However, major blockbusters still produce up to 3,370 metric tonnes of CO2—equivalent to powering 702 homes for a year.
The Producers Guild of America has called for cleaner energy in filmmaking, citing climate-related disruptions like wildfires and floods that have impacted productions.
What’s Next for Cumberbatch?
Cumberbatch is currently promoting his new film, The Roses, a modern take on the 1989 dark comedy The War of the Roses, co-starring Olivia Colman. The movie releases on August 29, 2025.
His comments come at a time when Hollywood faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. While some progress has been made, Cumberbatch’s remarks highlight how much more needs to be done.
Also read: When Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar Met Actor Benedict Cumberbatch at Wimbledon 2025
Credits: Sources include The Guardian, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and other verified entertainment news reports.
