Superheroes may exist effortlessly in peak condition, but the actors playing them work extremely hard to achieve the same physique. On a podcast, Benedict Cumberbatch opened up about his experience.
In today’s Hollywood, playing a superhero doesn’t just mean saving the world. It means looking like you could do it shirtless.
The extreme physical transformations demanded of actors have become so routine, they barely register as shocking anymore. But every now and then, someone speaks out about the process behind the role. Enter Benedict Cumberbatch.
Speaking on the Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast, the Doctor Strange star offered a revealing look at what it actually takes to suit up as Doctor Strange.
His take? While the physical challenge can be fun, the lifestyle required to look the part is often “horrific,”
Muscles May Be Fun – The Food Isn’t
Cumberbatch described the physical strain required to move around and perform stunts as Doctor Strange.
From flying harnesses to staged combat scenes, there's a level of strength needed just to get through a day on set.
And while he finds the physical challenge “great fun” and enjoys the results of training, the fun ends at the diet.
“Eating beyond your appetite is horrific,”
he admitted.
Honestly, I can imagine. After the fifth day of eggs, I’d also puke.
According to Cumberbatch, on Marvel sets, personal chefs, dietitians, and trainers carefully calculate every bite he takes.
Meal plans often center around high calories and lean proteins like chicken, fish, and yes, boiled eggs. Lots of them.
The Environmental Toll of Superhero Cinema
Cumberbatch zoomed out to reflect on the broader excesses of the industry.
“I could feed a family with the amount I’m eating,”
he said.
“It’s a grossly wasteful industry.”
He also pointed to set materials that aren’t recycled, massive transport, housing operations and the energy required just to simulate daylight indoors as wasteful practices that strain the environment.
“The amount of wattage you need to create consistent light in a studio… it’s a lot.”
Why Is Doctor Strange Jacked Anyway?
What's perhaps most perplexing is that Doctor Strange isn't a character who requires a superhero physique in the first place. After all, he’s a sorcerer — his power comes from his mind, not his muscles.
Of course, as Cumberbatch also mentioned, you need a certain level of strength just to perform superhero stunts. However, it seems questionable to go further than that just for appearances.
Despite the fact that costumes are often padded and bodies digitally touched up, actors like Cumberbatch are still expected to undergo full physical transformations for roles that don’t logically require them.
So why bother? Shirtless scenes? Studio expectations? Marketing headlines? The reason often feels more performative than practical.
Time to Drop the Illusion?
The superhero body has become its own illusion. Henry Cavill previously spoke out about the severe diet restrictions he endured for The Witcher series, including a jarring dehydration process to achieve that hyper-defined look on camera.
He’s not alone, many actors have echoed similar stories of extreme and often punishing transformations.
While these physique types may look impressive on screen, they are hard on the body and completely unsustainable in real life.
So maybe it’s time to ask – both as audiences and as an industry – do we really need these kinds of body standards for film?