Matthew Macfadyen rose to fame in the United States back in 2005 with his portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. One particular scene from the movie, where he performs the now-iconic hand flex, continues to be a topic of conversation even today.
In a recent interview on CBS Mornings, Macfadyen made a surprising revelation about his experience playing the beloved character. Despite the enduring popularity of his portrayal, he confessed that he did not particularly enjoy the role. He expressed, 'I didn’t really [enjoy it]. I feel bad saying that. There were moments I had a good time, but I wish I enjoyed it more. I wish I was less worried about it.'
Macfadyen also shared that he felt somewhat out of place in the role, believing he was not the ideal fit. He mentioned, 'I felt a bit miscast, like, ‘I’m not dishy enough.' However, he acknowledged that despite his reservations, things ultimately worked out.
One of the most flattering aspects for Macfadyen now is when people still recognize him as Mr. Darcy, even two decades after the film's release. He humorously remarked, 'Probably the most flattering thing that happens to me now is people say, ‘Were you Mr. Darcy?' It’s a good 20 years later. So I think, ‘I can’t be aging that badly.'
Interestingly, Macfadyen revealed that he and Colin Firth, who also famously portrayed Mr. Darcy in a different adaptation, extensively discussed their experiences playing the character. Their conversations provided insight into the unique challenges and rewards of bringing such an iconic literary figure to life on screen.
Despite his personal reservations about the role, it is undeniable that Matthew Macfadyen's portrayal of Mr. Darcy has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. His candid reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of portraying a character that has become synonymous with romantic heroism in literature and film.
For fans of Pride & Prejudice and admirers of Macfadyen's work, his recent interview provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the actor's perspective on a role that has defined a significant part of his career.
