Scoop has finally landed on Netflix, and as all royal-focused storylines do, it's got the internet talking. The film – which dramatises Newsnight's infamous Prince Andrew interview with Emily Maitlis – tells the story of the women behind the world-exclusive that led to the royal standing down from his public duties, touching on privilege, power and class dynamics as it goes.
Of course, the movie is very much based on the real-life events surrounding the interview – and so all of the characters are based on real people. Journalist Emily Maitlis is played by the formidable Gillian Anderson, while Billie Piper plays TV producer Sam McAlister (whose 2022 book, Scoops, the film is based on) and Rufus Sewell gives an uncanny portrayal as Prince Andrew. The all-star cast is rounded out by Keeley Hawes, who plays Prince Andrew's private secretary Amanda Thirsk.
It's not only bloody brilliant, it's all about the power of women.
Wondering how the Scoop cast compare to their real-life counterparts? Let's break it down:
Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew
Rufus Sewell underwent hours of makeup and hair to transform into Prince Andrew for the role, using advanced prosthetics to create the look. Many fans have portrayed Rufus' exacting portrayal of the royal, down to his voice, body language and appearance, which is incredibly close to the real deal.
Speaking to The Times about his interpretation of the role, he said: “His wishes are caught up with all kinds of muddled ideas. One is that he believes he’s a victim of being too honourable. But he’s afraid of what the repercussions will be for other people. And he also feels that he has been set up. Watching him, it’s clear that he has very mixed up feelings of culpability and innocence and victimhood — and that is fascinating to play.”
Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis
Gillian Anderson, who has taken on real-life characters before (she played Margaret Thatcher in season four of The Crown), is equally as convincing as brazen interviewer Emily Maitlis. She told the BBC she was nervous about her portrayal, though. "It was just too scary to play Emily Maitlis, because she’s still living, because she’s so formidable, because people know her so well,” she said.
“Sisterhood is such a big part of the success of being a woman.”
Billie Piper as Sam McAlister
The brilliant Billie Piper stars as producer Sam McAlister, who was the booker behind the Newsnight interview and writer of the book that Scoop is based on. Sam has since said that she is incredibly happy with Billie's portrayal of her, telling Virgin Radio: “If I did give feedback, my feedback would be that the performance was so brilliant that I cried when I saw it. I'm hugely grateful to Billie for taking so much time to do justice to this story and, in a sense, to me. I could not be more grateful for her hard work and the incredible performance that she puts in, in this movie.”
Keeley Hawes as Amanda Thirsk
Keeley Hawes plays Prince Andrew's private secretary, Amanda Thirsk. Of course, Amanda isn't a public-facing persona, but Sam has spoken of her professionalism and likeability. She told Times Radio: “She was cool, calm, collected, clever, classy. Really an impressive woman.”
Charity Wakefield as Princess Beatrice
Another royal family member that is portrayed – however briefly – in Scoop is Prince Andrew's oldest daughter Princess Beatrice, who appears in a planning meeting during which he finally agrees to do the interview. Charity Wakefield (Sense & Sensibility, The Great) plays Beatrice, and certainly has her hair and fashion nailed.
Romola Garai as Esme Wren
The BBC's Newsnight editor Esme Wren is played by Romola Garai, known for her role in the recent second series of Vigil.
Scoop is currently available to watch on Netflix.
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