Nine years after Prince Andrew was captured in New York with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the royal made an appearance on Newsnight in 2019 for a highly contentious interview.
In the Netflix production Scoop, the narrative behind the interview is depicted on screen, showcasing remarkable performances that echo the uncomfortable atmosphere of the original Newsnight conversation.
Portraying Andrew is Rufus Sewell, while Gillian Anderson embodies BBC journalist Emily Maitlis, who challenges him on his questionable associations with child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein—whom the prince continued to visit despite Epstein’s prior conviction. This pairing masterfully recreates the interview that led to the prince stepping down from his royal responsibilities.
Your portrayal alongside Gillian Anderson is incredibly compelling. What were your initial thoughts when you were offered the role?
I felt honored because during my time at drama school and early acting gigs, I always viewed myself as a character actor. I thrived when portraying roles vastly different from my own personality. However, as I transitioned to roles based on my appearance, I struggled to find my footing. This opportunity allowed me to showcase a side of my acting abilities that may not be widely known. Despite initial doubts, I accepted the role. Upon revisiting the interview, I realized the extensive preparation needed to embody Andrew convincingly. I meticulously studied his mannerisms, speech patterns, and mindset, even physically transforming myself to internalize the role.
On the first day of filming, facing Gillian as Maitlis, I was struck by her nuanced portrayal, mirroring the character I had intensely studied. The director’s approach of immersing us in the interview setting for days without excessive direction added a surreal authenticity to our performances. It was both daunting and exhilarating, marking a significant progression in the film’s production.
Were there rehearsals with Gillian, or did you dive straight into filming?
We delved straight into filming, prioritizing capturing authentic moments over rehearsed perfection. Having previously worked with Gillian, we shared a mutual understanding that enhanced our on-screen chemistry. The director aimed to capture raw, spontaneous interactions between our characters, allowing the natural dynamics to unfold without extensive rehearsals.
Did you discuss or plan with Gillian, or did you rely on mutual trust during the scenes?
I value reacting to an actor’s performance in the moment. Gillian’s meticulous portrayal of Maitlis set the stage for a compelling exchange, pushing me to embody Andrew’s character more convincingly. Our initial meeting on set mirrored the characters’ first encounter, fostering genuine reactions and interactions essential to the scene’s authenticity.
What were your reservations about undertaking this role?
As an actor, my primary allegiance lies in portraying the character truthfully, encompassing both their flaws and virtues. Balancing the darker aspects of a character without veering into manipulation or justification poses a significant challenge. Understanding Andrew’s complex psyche and motivations required a deep dive into his persona, striving to present a multifaceted portrayal that resonated with his internal struggles and external persona.
Maintaining a balance between empathy and condemnation in portraying Andrew must have been challenging.
Navigating Andrew’s narrative demanded a delicate balance between showcasing his vulnerabilities and addressing the gravity of his actions. While exploring his guilt, victimization, and self-perception, I aimed to present a nuanced portrayal that captured the intricacies of his character without romanticizing or vilifying him. Upholding the character’s integrity while acknowledging his flaws was a nuanced process that demanded a comprehensive understanding of his psyche.
The interview scenes oscillate between discomfort and dark humor. How did you approach these tonal shifts?
Unpacking the interview dynamics revealed a blend of discomfort, humor, and underlying tension inherent in such high-stakes interactions. Andrew’s demeanor, characterized by moments of charm and absurdity, mirrored real-life complexities that added depth to the portrayal. Balancing the seriousness of the dialogue with subtle humor required a nuanced approach, ensuring that each moment resonated authentically with the audience.
The portrayal of Andrew’s vulnerability and isolation in certain scenes is quite poignant. How did you navigate these emotional depths?
Exploring Andrew’s vulnerabilities and internal conflicts shed light on his profound sense of isolation and self-preservation. Delving into his psyche revealed a character grappling with guilt, victimization, and a distorted self-image shaped by his upbringing and societal expectations. Navigating these emotional complexities required a nuanced understanding of Andrew’s internal struggles, allowing for a layered portrayal that resonated with the character’s multifaceted persona.
Have you found empathy for Andrew despite the controversies surrounding him?
Andrew’s character embodies a blend of compassion, self-preservation, and emotional turmoil, reflecting the complexities of human nature. While acknowledging the gravity of his actions and the public scrutiny he faces, exploring Andrew’s vulnerabilities and internal conflicts evokes a sense of empathy for a character grappling with his past, societal expectations, and personal demons. Balancing empathy with critical analysis allowed for a multifaceted portrayal that captured the intricacies of Andrew’s character.
What was your experience portraying such a polarizing figure, and how did it influence your perspective on his narrative?
Portraying Andrew offered a unique opportunity to delve into the psyche of a complex and controversial figure, navigating the intricacies of his character with empathy and critical analysis. Exploring the nuances of his persona, motivations, and vulnerabilities shed light on the multifaceted nature of human behavior and the complexities of societal expectations. Balancing empathy with a critical lens allowed for a nuanced portrayal that captured the essence of Andrew’s character while acknowledging the gravity of his actions and the impact of his choices on those around him.