Rufus Sewell recently shared insights into his preparation for portraying Prince Andrew in the upcoming Netflix film, Scoop. The movie delves into the 2019 BBC television interview that shed light on Andrew's association with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, based on Sam McAlister's book Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews.
Sewell, 56, revealed that he extensively studied Andrew's mannerisms to embody the character effectively. He noted Andrew's unique blend of a 'blokey quality' and the classic Windsor 'clenched-jaw thing,' emphasizing the royal's distinct persona.
Reports suggest that Sewell underwent up to four hours of makeup and prosthetic application daily to transform into Prince Andrew for the film. Gillian Anderson portrays journalist Emily Maitlis, known for her pivotal interview with Andrew that marked a turning point in his public image.
The interview not only addressed Andrew's ties to Epstein but also touched on allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. Andrew denied the accusations and was involved in a civil lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre, which was settled out of court in February 2022, with Andrew reportedly paying around $16 million.
Following the fallout from the interview, Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2020, and his honorary military affiliations were revoked by the Queen in 2022. Sewell highlighted the complexity of portraying Andrew, emphasizing the royal's conflicting emotions of culpability, innocence, and victimhood.
He noted Andrew's belief in being a victim of his own honorability while grappling with fears of repercussions and a sense of being set up. Sewell described the experience of portraying such a multifaceted character as both challenging and fascinating.
Sewell clarified that the film does not take a stance on Andrew's guilt or innocence, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the events. The actor admitted that embodying Prince Andrew on screen was at times a 'painful' experience, underscoring the emotional depth of the role.
Scoop is set to premiere on Netflix on Friday, April 5, offering viewers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama of one of the most significant interviews in recent memory.
