Scoop cast, plot and filming locations explained – all about the Netflix film
FIVE years on from the now infamous Prince Andrew Newsnight interview, Netflix is bringing it to life.
With an all-star cast and real-life plot, Scoop tells the inside story of how the interview came about, and the aftermath of it.
Who is in the cast of Scoop?
Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis
The Prince Andrew Newsnight interview was conducted by Emily Maitlis.
She was the one who sat in the seat opposite the Duke of York and questioned him about his relationship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
In Scoop, Gillian Anderson plays the part of Emily.
Speaking about watching her do the infamous interview, the actress told Vanity Fair: “I was struck by how gentle she was.
“If she asked too strong a question or pressed it too hard, it’d be done.
“He could have stopped.”
Actress Gillian shot to fame in the 90s playing Dana Scully in The X Files.
Since then her standout roles include The Crown as Margaret Thatcher, Sex Education as Jean Milburn and The Fall as DSU Stella Gibson.
Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew
Taking on the role of Prince Andrew is esteemed actor Rufus Sewell.
Speaking on Next On Netflix about how he learnt to mimic the Prince, he said: “It wasn’t an easy yes, but I read the script, and it was so extraordinary that I found that I kind of needed to do it.
“But, I didn’t actually say yes until I’d worked on it on my own for a while, which is not something I’d normally do before a part.
“I had an instinct about playing him, and I have a good ear with accents, but not that natural ability to mimic.”
The actor is best known for playing Kate Winslet‘s scoundrel ex-boyfriend in the famous Christmas movie, The Holiday.
Rufus has enjoyed great success on TV, and most notably starred in the Netflix smash hit series The Diplomat.
He also played the role of Lord Melbourne in ITV’s period drama, Victoria.
Billie Piper as Sam McAlister
Billie Piper plays Sam McAlister, the woman who secured the Prince Andrew interview.
Speaking about why she wanted to take on the role, the actress and former singer told Tudum: “It was something I cared about tremendously.
“When you watch that interview, you think, ‘How did this get onto the screens? How was this signed off on? Who was part of this?’
“Getting this close to a royal and that level of exposure — I don’t know that I’ll ever see anything like it again. In my lifetime.
“I’ve never seen an interview like it.
“And there are a number of incredible women behind this moment, and telling their story is a gift as an actor, to be honest.”
Before becoming an actress, Billie was known for her pop career and burst onto the music scene with her catchy 1998 tune, Because We Want To.
She then turned to acting, and is known for Doctor Who, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and I Hate Suzie.
Keeley Hawes as Amanda Thirsk
Amanda Thirsk allegedly was the royal aide who encouraged Prince Andrew to do the Newsnight interview.
Following the backlash from it, she quit her job as the Duke of York’s private secretary.
Playing Emily in Netflix’s Scoop is the much-loved actress Keeley Hawes.
The talented star is best known for playing Louisa Durrell in the ITV series The Durrells, Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton in Line Of Duty and Julia Montague in the BBC drama Bodyguard.
The rest of the cast includes:
- Connor Swindells as Jae Donnelly
- Romola Garai as Esme Wren.
- Charity Wakefield as Princess Beatrice
- Lia Williams as Fran Unsworth
- Theresa Godly as BBC U.S. News Reporter
What is Scoop about?
Netflix’s Scoop is based on a book by former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister.
The film tells the behind-the-scenes story of what went into securing the interview between Emily Maitlis and the Duke of York in 2019.
It also relives the infamous interview, that was labelled a “car crash”, and the fall out with Buckingham Palace afterwards.
Scoop highlights the women who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get the biggest “scoop” of the decade.
The interview focused on Andrew’s relationship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Where was Scoop filmed?
Principal photography for Netflix‘s Scoop kicked off in early 2023.
Filming took place in London, with crews spotted in and around the capital.
Shots of Gillian Anderson in costume as Emily Maitlis on set were revealed online in late February 2023.
How can I watch Scoop?
Netflix’s Scoop drops on the streaming site on April 5, 2024.
Fans will be able binge the entire film after it drops at 8am.
The film runs for 96 minutes and is rated 12A.
Get the scoop on Netflix's Scoop
THE Netflix film brings to life the real events of the 2019 Prince Andrew Newsnight interview.
Scoop will drop on Netflix on April 5, 2024, at 8am.
The film synopsis says: “Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatisation gives an insider account of how the women of Newsnight secured Prince Andrew’s infamous interview.”
Along with Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew the cast includes: