Netflix is set to premiere its highly anticipated Prince Andrew film, “Scoop,” on April 5th, featuring Rufus Sewell in the titular role, Gillian Anderson as the BBC host Emily Maitlis, and Billie Piper as Sam McAlister, a booker-producer on the news show. The stars gathered in London for the world premiere of the movie, discussing what makes it a “nailbiter” despite its well-known fallout.
Anderson and Sewell revealed they initially hesitated to portray their respective roles. Anderson takes on the role of former BBC Newsnight host Emily Maitlis, while Sewell embodies Prince Andrew. The film delves into the behind-the-scenes events leading up to the November 2019 Newsnight interview, shedding light on the negotiations, rehearsals, and aftermath of Prince Andrew’s discussion about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Based on McAlister’s memoir, “Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC’s Most Shocking Interviews,” the film offers an inside look at the women who orchestrated the groundbreaking interview, marking a pivotal moment in Prince Andrew’s public image.
Following the premiere, Anderson and Sewell praised each other’s performances, with Anderson admitting to being taken aback by Sewell’s portrayal of Prince Andrew. Sewell, in turn, commended Anderson for her portrayal of Maitlis, making it challenging for him to embody Prince Andrew’s perspective during the interview.
Despite initial reservations, Anderson was convinced to take on the role after discussions with the director and writer, acknowledging the importance of portraying Maitlis accurately. Piper, reflecting on her role as McAlister, emphasized the film’s focus on the unsung heroes behind the scenes of the iconic interview.
Director Martin expressed his attraction to the project, highlighting the opportunity to explore the disparity between public perception and Prince Andrew’s perspective. McAlister joked about reliving the intensity of the original interview through the film, emphasizing the electrifying performances of Anderson and Sewell.
Producer Hilary Salmon underscored the significance of the interview’s aftermath, emphasizing the untold stories of the women involved in orchestrating the groundbreaking moment. Fellow producer Sanjay Singhal humorously described the interview as one of the most catastrophic in British television history, setting the stage for the film’s exploration of its profound impact.
