Before he played Tom Wambsgans in the HBO series “Succession,” Matthew Macfadyen was perhaps best known for his performance as Mr. Darcy in Joe Wright’s 2005 “Pride & Prejudice” adaptation alongside Keira Knightley.
And though he often tops fan lists of their favorite interpretations of Jane Austen’s brooding romantic hero, Macfadyen revealed in a new interview on “CBS Mornings” that he “didn’t really” enjoy playing the part.
“I feel bad saying that,” Macfadyen said. “There were moments I had a good time, but I wish I’d enjoyed it more. I wish I was less worried about it.”
Macfadyen said his anxiety stemmed from feeling like he wasn’t a good fit for the role.
“I just felt a bit miscast. I’m not dishy enough, or I’m not, you know,” he continued. “But it worked out.”
Now, when fans recognize him as Mr. Darcy, Macfadyen said it’s “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,” he laughed.
Macfadyen was on “CBS Mornings” to promote his latest film, Marvel blockbuster “Deadpool and Wolverine,” starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. Macfadyen plays Mr. Paradox, the boss of Reynolds’ antihero.
“It’s a fun part,” he said. “Watching Ryan and Hugh Jackman team up on set was a hoot. I’ve got a bit of a man crush on those two, they’re just great.”
Macfadyen added that Mr. Paradox has a similar vibe to his “Succession” character Tom, “in a sort of corporate douchebag way.”
“Deadpool and Wolverine” releases in theaters this Friday from Marvel and Disney.
