The cast has been announced for Scoop, Netflix’s new film based around Prince Andrew’s infamous interview on Newsnight back in 2019.
Over the summer, it was revealed that Newsnight producer Sam McAlister’s book – which went into detail about what went on behind the scenes to secure the interview – was being adapted for the big screen.
It’s now been revealed that Rufus Sewell, whose credits include Victoria, The Man In The High Castle and The Holiday will portray the Duke of York in the drama.
Meanwhile, Gillian Anderson will play former BBC journalist Emily Maitlis.
Gillian is best known for her roles in the TV series The X-Files, The Fall and Sex Education.
In 2021, she also won an Emmy for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of The Crown.
Billie Piper and Keeley Hawes will also make appearances as Sam McAlister herself and Prince Andrew’s former private secretary Amanda Thirsk, respectively.
Netflix has said Scoop will give viewers the “inside track” on how Prince Andrew first came to be grilled by presenter Emily Maitlis over his relationship with billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The streaming giant added that it will look at “navigating Palace vetoes, to breaking through to Prince Andrew’s inner circle, the high-stakes negotiations and intensity of rehearsal – to the jaw-dropping interview itself”.
The Crown producer Philip Martin, who directs Scoop, said: “Uptempo, immersive and cinematic, I want to put the audience inside the breathtaking sequence of events that led to the interview with Prince Andrew – to tell a story about a search for answers, in a world of speculation and varying recollections.
“It’s a film about power, privilege and differing perspectives and how – whether in glittering palaces or hi-tech newsrooms – we judge what’s true.”
Following the interview in November 2019, and the furore over his friendship with Epstein, the Duke stepped away from public life.
The interview was recently sent up in the Channel 4 special Prince Andrew: The Musical, which aired over Christmas.