‘Succession’ star Matthew Macfadyen didn’t enjoy making ‘Pride and Prejudice’
Former Succession star Matthew Macfadyen has spoken about his experience starring in Pride & Prejudice and admitted that he didn’t enjoy making the movie.
Long before he played Tom Wambsgans, Succession‘s awkward in-law-turned-CEO, Macfadyen starred opposite Keira Knightley in Joe Wright’s take on Pride and Prejudice. The 2005 adaptation was a major commercial success upon release, even earning Knightley a ‘Best Actress’ nomination at the Academy Awards for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet.
Almost two decades on, the adaptation still maintains a loyal cult following. Now, Macfadyen has spoken about his experience of shooting the romance. During a chat with CBS Mornings, the star revealed that he “didn’t really [enjoy]” making Pride & Prejudice. “I feel bad saying that,” he continued, “There were moments I had a good time, but I wish I enjoyed it more. I wish I was less worried about it.”
Macfadyen’s worries seemed to stem from his belief that he wasn’t the right person for the part. He starred as the iconic Mr Darcy, a character he didn’t believe he was “dishy” enough for. “I felt a bit miscast,” he admitted, “like, ‘I’m not dishy enough.’ But it worked out.”
The British actor didn’t receive an Oscar nomination for his performance like his co-star, but enthusiastic responses from viewers and critics certainly contradicted his belief that he had been miscast. Now, when people recognise him from the memorable role, he takes it as a huge compliment, but it hasn’t always been that way.
“Probably the most flattering thing that happens to me now is people say, ‘Were you Mr. Darcy?'” he shared, “It’s a good 20 years later. So I think, ‘I can’t be aging that badly.”
Macfadyen’s comments come just ahead of the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, which marks his first venture into the realm of superhero movies. Starring alongside Marvel Cinematic Universe stalwarts Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, he will take on the role of Mr Paradox.
Meanwhile, Macfadyen’s former Succession co-star Jeremy Strong recently shut down any hopes that his character might return to our screens. Strong starred as Kendall Roy, the fail-son of Waystar Royco CEO Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox.
While appearing at a Meet the Nominees showcase for this year’s Tony Awards, Strong told People that he would not be interested in reviving Kendall, believing that he had come to his “terminal point.” He did acknowledge the “desire” for more of the show but resolved to “pass that buck to Jesse Armstrong.”
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