Actor Benedict Cumberbatch has criticised the Hollywood film industry for being “grossly wasteful”. His comments came during an episode of the food-focused podcast, Ruthie’s Table 4. Expressing his concerns, he highlighted the extensive use of resources for set building, lighting, and the physical transformations required for major roles.

“Think about set builds that aren’t recycled, think about transport, think about food, think about housing, but also light and energy,” he noted, emphasising the high levels of wastage required for studio lighting. These issues are compounded by the industry’s reliance on single-use plastics and other non-sustainable materials.

Cumberbatch detailed his personal experience while filming Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’. He shared that he had to consume five meals a day, along with snacks like boiled eggs, almonds, and cheese. This was done to maintain the muscle mass needed for the role. “It’s horrific eating beyond your appetite,” he remarked.

The actor questioned the broader responsibility towards sustainability. He stated, “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.'”

The 49-year-old stated that he is committed to promoting green initiatives on movie sets in his roles as both an actor and a producer. “You don’t have to give the crew plastic bottles,” he said. He also advocated for alternatives in line with 21st-century sustainability efforts.

The environmental impact of film production has been highlighted by the fact that movies can emit between 391 and 3,370 metric tonnes of CO2, depending on their scale. This reality has prompted organisations such as the Producers Guild of America to push for more sustainable practices within the industry. The call for a transition to clean energy is becoming increasingly urgent as climate change continues to impact productions and filming locations worldwide.

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