In 2019, Prince Andrew sat down for an interview with the BBC, discussing his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. This interview led to public outcry and the prince’s decision to step down from public duties. Now, Netflix is releasing a film called Scoop, which recounts the story of the women who worked to make the interview happen. Directed by Philip Martin and starring Gillian Anderson, Rufus Sewell, Billie Piper, Romola Garai, and Keeley Hawes, the film documents the negotiations, research, and preparations leading up to the interview.
The interview with Prince Andrew took place in November 2019 at Buckingham Palace. Prince Andrew openly discussed his friendship with Epstein and the allegations made against him. Despite denying knowledge of Epstein’s activities, there were examples of the two men spending time together even after Epstein became a convicted sex offender. The aftermath of the interview was swift, with Prince Andrew announcing his decision to step back from public duties due to the disruption caused by his association with Epstein.
Scoop is based on the insider account by former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister, who released a book documenting the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure the interview with Prince Andrew. The film sheds light on the women who negotiated with the palace and Prince Andrew’s private secretary and conducted extensive research in preparation for the interview. The story goes beyond the interview itself and delves into the journey leading up to the landmark moment.
The cast of Scoop includes Billie Piper as interview booker Sam McAlister, Gillian Anderson as journalist Emily Maitlis, Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew, Keeley Hawes as Prince Andrew’s private secretary Amanda Thirsk, and Romola Garai as editor Esme Wren. The film explores the clash between the BBC and Buckingham Palace in securing the interview and showcases the amount of work that went on behind the scenes before the cameras started rolling.
Scoop not only highlights the significant interview with Prince Andrew but also takes audiences on the journey of how it all began. The film reveals the challenges and negotiations involved in securing such a high-stakes interview and provides insight into the extensive preparations made by the team. Scoop will start streaming on Netflix on April 5, offering viewers a glimpse into the intricate process of landing a major interview with a member of the British royal family.
