New Darcy not intimidated by Firth

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NEW YORK, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Matthew MacFadyen says he never saw the beloved 1995 miniseries "Pride & Prejudice," so he didn't fear playing the iconic Mr. Darcy in a new film.

Colin Firth's career sky-rocketed after he portrayed the snooty hero in the BBC miniseries, based on Austen's 1813 novel.

Firth, 43, went on to play a similar character, also named Darcy, in the 2001 romance, "Bridget Jones's Diary," and its 2004 sequel, "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason."

"I haven't seen any other versions and that was good," the 31-year-old MacFadyen replied when asked if he worried about following in Firth's footsteps for the big-screen version of the love story that is in theaters now.

"A lot of people asked -- very irritatingly asked -- 'How are you going to make it different?'" he laughed. "There was no more apprehension with this than any other part, really. You feel apprehensive if you go and play Richard III. But it's not something, as an actor, that is useful or practical, to worry... It was very flattering, also. I felt in very good company, so it was kind of thrilling and quite nice. I've been a big fan of Colin Firth since I was teenager."