Benedict Cumberbatch's extreme diet for Doctor Strange: "It was horrible"

Playing a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) requires not only acting talent and charisma, but also an intense physical transformation . Benedict Cumberbatch, known for his role as Doctor Strange , recently spoke about the extreme diet and rigorous training he faced to achieve the body necessary for the character. Although the results were visible on screen, the actor admitted that the process was “ horrible ,” especially in the nutritional aspect.

During an interview on the Ruthie's Table podcast, the actor shared details about the demanding diet he underwent to play the Sorcerer Supreme. Cumberbatch confessed that while he found the exercise rewarding, the hardest part was eating beyond his appetite .

"It's horrible. Personally, I don't like it at all. I think it's horrible to eat more than you want," he declared.

The diet he was required to follow included five full meals a day , accompanied by high-protein snacks between each meal. He explained that his daily menu included everything from hard-boiled eggs to cheese and crackers to almond butter.

“I could feed a family with the amount I'm eating,” he said ironically.

The goal of this diet was clear: to increase muscle mass and ensure the energy needed for action scenes , which demand agility, strength and endurance.

Although nutrition proved to be a challenge, Benedict highlighted some positive aspects of the process, especially regarding physical training.

“Exercise is great. The end result is that you feel strong and confident, and your posture improves. You gain stamina, which allows you to maintain your workout pace.”

Despite the discomfort, she acknowledged that she values the possibility of transforming her body as part of her profession and that she enjoys the challenge of embodying characters that require a significant physical change.

He also thanked the Marvel team for their support, noting that they had a specialized chef to prepare the exact foods prescribed by nutritionists and trainers. In his words, working on a blockbuster of this kind is like playing in "a huge amusement park" for the actors.

Cumberbatch's experience isn't unique. Several Marvel stars have shared similar stories about the physical demands of their characters. Paul Rudd, who played Ant-Man, also spoke about how difficult it was to maintain his diet.

“My reward was sparkling water. That's how terrible that diet was,” she laughed on the Off Menu podcast.

And that's not the only case. Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and other cast members have admitted that the workouts are exhausting , and the strict diets, while necessary, can be psychologically demanding .

Benedict Cumberbatch's statements open a relevant discussion about the physical standards imposed by Hollywood, especially in action and superhero films. While transformations shock audiences and generate admiration, they can also send unrealistic messages about health and ideal bodies.

The actor himself reflected on this by saying:

“Coming back to responsibility, common sense, and sustainability, one wonders: what am I doing?”

Cumberbatch's commitment to the character and the story drove him to continue, but his testimony also highlights the importance of balancing professional demands with personal well-being.

Benedict Cumberbatch earned the public's acclaim as Doctor Strange , not only for his performance, but also for his total dedication to the role. However, his experience shows that, beyond the glamour of the screen, the physical and emotional effort can be overwhelming .

This testimony not only reveals what lies behind a physique sculpted for film, but also invites us to reflect on how we perceive health, nutrition, and the body in popular culture.

Because, in the end, even superheroes need to take care of themselves… and know when to say, “This isn’t magic, it’s sacrifice.”