Summary
Pride & Prejudicestar Matthew Macfadyen reflects on his role in the romantic film two decades later. Macfadyen played the male lead, Mr. Darcy, in the 2005 Jane Austen adaptation. Mr. Darcy is one of the most iconic love interests in literature, pulling at the heartstrings of those who root for his romance with the lower-class woman, Elizabeth Bennett. Playing the role of Elizabeth was Keira Knightley, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the movie. Joining Macfadyen and Knightley in the cast were Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Brenda Blethyn, and Carey Mulligan.
Pride & Prejudicewas also nominated for Oscars for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
Speaking onCBS Mornings, Macfadyen provided his honest reflection on his role inPride & Prejudice,sayinghe “felt a bit miscast” in the role of Mr. Darcy.He “wish[es] [he]’s enjoyed it more” during his time in the movie, even if he feels some guilt for even saying that. Despite Macfadyen’s mixed opinions on hisPride & Prejudicerole, he noted that when people recognize him as Darcy, it is “probably the most flattering thing that happens” to him, as it indicates that he “can’t be aging that badly.” Check out the full quote from Macfadyen below:
I feel bad saying that. There were moments I had a good time, but I wish I’d enjoyed it more. I wish I was less worried about it. I just felt a bit miscast. I’m not dishy enough, or I’m not, you know. But it worked out. [People recognizing me as Darcy is] probably the most flattering thing that happens to me. It’s a good 20 years later, so I think I can’t be aging that badly.
Matthew Macfadyen’s Post-Pride & Prejudice Career Legacy Explained
Macfadyen Has Gone On To Win 2 Emmys.
While Macfadyen is a more established name now, he hasPride & Prejudiceand Mr. Darcy to thank for making him the star he is today.
Pride & Prejudicewas a cornerstone inMacfadyen’s early career, with his role still remembered today due to his dashing yet awkward portrayal of Mr. Darcy. At the time that he played the role, Macfadyen had only made a mark in television and movies for just seven years.Pride & Prejudicewas in some ways a callback to his first credited role inWuthering Heights, as, like the Austen film, it was a period piece adapted from a notable English novel. It stood out, however, as Macfadyen’s biggest break into Hollywood, well-establishing him as a lead star.
Pride & Prejudice: Why Matthew Macfadyen & Keira Knightley Might Be The Best Mr. Darcy & Lizzie Bennet
Starring Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley, 2005’s Pride & Prejudice has lasting appeal. Here’s why they’re the best Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennet.
AfterPride & Prejudice, Macfadyen starred in several other notable movies, includingFrost/NixonandRobin Hood. His most notable role came in 2018 when the actor portrayed Tom Wambsgans in the hitHBO showSuccession. Theportrayal of Tom was pivotal in Macfadyen’s more recent career, earning him Emmy wins in 2022 and 2023 for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He also won two BAFTAs for his work inSuccession.
Now,Successionhas even further catapulted Macfadyen to fame. He will make his Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut in this week’supcoming sequelDeadpool & Wolverine. While Macfadyen is a more established name now, he hasPride & Prejudiceand Mr. Darcy to thank for making him the star he is today. Even if Macfadyen did not feel great about the role at the moment, the fact that people still recognize him is a testament to the fact that the part left an impact.
