Colin Firth and Matthew MacFadyen as Mr. Darcy

The Colin Firth vs. Matthew MacFadyen Darcy Debate Ends Today. Let Me Have Both.

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It is a war that continues to rage. Every few months, someone decides to reignite the fire, stoking the brewing battle of the internet by asking one simple question: Which Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice is better? It happens on a nearly constant loop, and the idea that we have to make a decision is baffling to me. But no longer will I be a victim of this never-ending war.

This time, it began as a science experiment.

And, unsurprisingly, the responses were as you’d expect.

And fine, to each their own. But I am here to put a stop to the battle of Colin Firth vs. Matthew MacFadyen: Dawn of Darcy. Why? Because I’m selfish and I want them both, and I’m tired of being asked to choose. I will not do it. I am but a humble servant of the tale of Pride and Prejudice. I live my life as a Lizzie Bennet, and I pray for the day that Fitzwilliam Darcy angrily has feelings for me. Twisted, I know, but it is the curse of many throughout the centuries who identify as Lizzie.

All that being said, the archaic notion that we have to chose one Darcy is over. Do you know how many times I have sat by and watched as straight men have had their cake and eaten it to when it comes to the world of adaptations? Do you know what that pain is knowing that they can have their 40 different Batmen and love them all, but we, as servants of the attraction to men, have to choose which Darcy is better because we can’t have both?

I say nigh! I throw down your false claim! I will love my Colin Firth as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy or even Mark Darcy as I also love my Matthew MacFadyen. I will appreciate the zombie-fighting techniques of Sam Riley’s Darcy from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and I will say it all proudly. Throw in Daniel Vincent Gordh of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries or Matthew Rhys in Death Comes to Pemberley and I have a collection of Darcys that I enjoy.

The reign of fighting over a Darcy has ended. We now can appreciate them all. And to that, I say, good day sir!

(image: PBS/Focus Features)

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Rachel Leishman
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Rachel Leishman (She/Her) is an Assistant Editor at the Mary Sue. She's been a writer professionally since 2016 but was always obsessed with movies and television and writing about them growing up. A lover of Spider-Man and Wanda Maximoff's biggest defender, she has interests in all things nerdy and a cat named Benjamin Wyatt the cat. If you want to talk classic rock music or all things Harrison Ford, she's your girl but her interests span far and wide. Yes, she knows she looks like Florence Pugh. She has multiple podcasts, normally has opinions on any bit of pop culture, and can tell you can actors entire filmography off the top of her head. Her current obsession is Glen Powell's dog, Brisket. Her work at the Mary Sue often includes Star Wars, Marvel, DC, movie reviews, and interviews.