Netflix have released the first images taken from their upcoming drama film Scoop, due to hit the streaming site in spring.
Scoop will reportedly tell the behind-the-scenes story of the now infamous Newsnight interview between Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. Within the drama, Gillian Anderson will be playing the role of journalist Emily Maitlis, quizzing Rufus Sewell – who is playing the part of Prince Andrew – about his relationship with the notorious paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
The images released by Netflix show the two veteran actors looking almost indistinguishable from their real life counterparts, with Gillian Anderson tirelessly studying Newsnight in order to capture Mitlis’ mannerisms.
In addition to acting ability, the pair are aided by a talented make-up team, with Sewell reportedly spending upwards of three hours in make-up to achieve the look of the Duke. The drama’s director Philip Martin shared, “What Gillian and Rufus have done so brilliantly is get the spirit of the people that they’re playing, so that it feels real.”
The Netflix film is said to be based on the book Scoops, authored by Sam McAlister, one of the producers involved in setting up the original Newsnight interview. In the drama, McAlister is set to be played by Billie Piper.
McAlister said, “It’s rare that you see a representation of women, all in their 40s and 50s. This is an opportunity to see hard-working women behind the scenes at every stage.” in an interview with The Telegraph.
Scoop is due to centre around the work of the female journalists and producers that organised the interview. Newsnight editor Esme Wren will be played by Romola Garai, while Keeley Hawes is on board as the Duke of York’s aide Amanda Thirsk.
