Benedict Cumberbatch recently opened up about the extreme dietary regimen he undertakes to prepare for his role as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). During an episode of the “Ruthie’s Table 4” podcast, the actor described his diet as “horrific,” stating that the amount of food he consumes could “feed a family.”
Cumberbatch, who has portrayed the iconic neurosurgeon since 2016, shared that while the rigorous exercise and diet make him feel strong and confident, the experience is not enjoyable. “For me, the exercise is great,” he said. “And the end result is that you feel strong and you feel confident — you hold yourself better. You have stamina through the exercise and the food that makes you last through the gig.” However, he also admitted, “I think it’s horrific eating beyond your appetite.”
The actor’s commitment to his role requires him to eat five substantial meals a day, supplemented by high-protein snacks, including boiled eggs and various crackers. Cumberbatch noted that while he struggles with the sheer volume of food, he appreciates the support he receives during his preparation. “I love it. I love body transformation in my job,” he said, emphasizing the resources available to him on set. “On Marvel, it’s a big sand pit. So they’ve got resources. You have someone who can prescribe you what you’re eating, and they can cook for you.”
Cumberbatch’s dedication to the role has seen him appear in several Marvel films, including “Doctor Strange,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” He is set to reprise his role in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is slated for release in December 2026. The film will feature a star-studded cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh, among others.
Despite the challenges of maintaining such a demanding diet and workout routine, Cumberbatch finds joy in the process. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on such exciting projects and the camaraderie that develops among the cast and crew. As he prepares for his next Marvel adventure, fans can look forward to seeing him once again embody the powerful sorcerer, Doctor Strange.