- - New York Times Readers Name the 'Ultimate' Mr. Darcy

Meredith GordonDecember 22, 2025 at 2:00 AM

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Photo by Samir Hussein on Getty Images

One of the most hotly contested debates over time for lovers of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice centers on the character of Mr. Darcy. Like action film fans debating their favorite James Bond (Daniel Craig gets this writer’s vote), book lovers have strong opinions about the actors who have portrayed the iconic leading man. Now, New York Times Books is putting the contest to rest and naming the “ultimate” Mr. Darcy with a little help from its readers.

In a post shared to social media, New York Times Books asks its writers and readers to weigh in on this very important question, writing, “We’ve spent this year — some might say our entire lives — diving deep into the world of Jane Austen. And as her 250th birthday approached, one fiercely debated question kept coming up: Who is the definitive Mr. Darcy?

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Many actors have donned the master of Pemberley’s breeches in adaptations of Pride and Prejudice over the years, from a pompadoured Laurence Olivier in the 1940 film to a fluffy-haired David Rintoul in the 1980 BBC series to the ever-dapper canine Wishbone in 1995. But when crowning the one true Fitzwilliam, it really comes down to two men: Colin Firth in the 1995 BBC miniseries, and Matthew Macfadyen in the 2005 film.

“Before our year of Austen is out, this question must be answered. Welcome to our Regency Thunderdome, where the rules are simple: We will each make the case for our Darcy of choice — and then, it’s up to you.”

And the nominees are…

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy

Colin Firth played a Darcy-like character in the Bridget Jones trilogy, but his portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC miniseries makes him a strong contender for the ultimate Darcy, according to New York Times writer Sarah Lyall, who writes:

“Mr. Darcy should at no time evince any sulkiness, insecurity or emo-ness. He should not remind you even glancingly of the hero in a contemporary Emily Henry enemies-to-lovers novel. He should be from the early 19th century. He should be Colin Firth.”

Related: 'Bridgerton' Author Julia Quinn Names Her Pick for 'The Godmother of All Modern Romance Writers'

Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy

Matthew Macfadyen starred opposite Keira Knightley in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, making him the icy favorite for many fans of the movie. Macfadyen wins New York Times writer Jennifer Harlan’s vote for his high swoon factor.

“In each fluttering eyelash and tilt of the head, you can see Macfadyen’s Darcy recalibrating the way he moves through the world. To be willing to question your prejudices and reorient your universe around another’s happiness: What could be more romantic?” she writes, making a strong case for Macfadyen’s steamy performance.

Is the Best Mr. Darcy Yet to Come?

Sadie Stein of the New York Times casts her vote in an entirely different direction, arguing that the best Mr. Darcy is yet to come. She writes, “My perfect Franken-Darcy has Rintoul’s hat on Olivier’s head on Macfadyen’s body, with the latter’s voice and Firth’s personality. And, while we’re at it, Wishbone’s tail.”

With that, it’s your turn. New York Times readers can cast their own vote for the ultimate Mr. Darcy. Colin Firth gets my vote. What about you?

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This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”