'Pride & Prejudice' Star Matthew Macfadyen Makes Bold Admission About His Time on Set of the Beloved Film
Apparently Matthew Macfadyen didn't feel much pride while playing Mr. Darcy.
The actor famously starred as the wealthy aristocrat and suitor for protagonist Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, but the experience of making the movie wasn't as romantic for Macfadyen as it seemed on screen.
"I didn't really [enjoy it]," the U.K. native candidly admitted about the film during an appearance on CBS Mornings on Tuesday, July 23. "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."
According to the Succession alum, he felt at the time that he had been "a bit miscast" for the film, in which he starred opposite Keira Knightley.
"I'm not dishy enough," Macfadyen remembered thinking back then. But fortunately, he now knows that "it worked out" in the end.
And the 2005 film did more than just work out, as it ultimately earned four nominations at the 78th Academy Awards, including recognition for Knightley, 39, in the Best Lead Actress category. (The award ended up going to Reese Witherspoon for her role as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line.)
Macfadyen also can't deny the notoriety he gained from his P&P role, as even after all these years, he said fans still recognize him for playing Mr. Darcy.
"The most flattering thing that happens to me now is people say, 'Were you Mr. Darcy?'" Macfadyen, who has since starred in a myriad of other projects, including, most recently, Deadpool & Wolverine—confessed in the interview. He added, "It's a good 20 years later. So I think, 'I can't be aging that badly.'"
