Written by Zainia Naqvi
08:13 06 April 2024, updated 09:15 06 April 2024
Netflix fans have been blown away by the new drama, which they have described as “absolutely brilliant”.
Released in the UK today, Scoop chronicles Emily Maitlis's infamous interview with Prince Andrew, which left the royal family in shock to announce that the Duke would be stepping down from his public duties just days after its 2019 broadcast.
British household names who star in the biographical drama include Gillian Anderson, Billie Piper as Newsnight's Emily Maitlis and Sam McAllister, the BBC TV producer who secured the car crash interview.
He plays the role of a disgraced prince Rufus Sewell, best known for his portrayal of Count Adhemar of Anjou in the 2001 hit A Knight's Tale.
The Netflix film, directed by Philip Martin, is an adaptation of then-Newsnight editor Sam McAlister's 2022 book, Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews.
Brits were quick to like the film on X, formerly known as Twitter this morning, praising its brilliant acting and putting strong women at the forefront – and were surprised by the shock cameo.
Many were impressed by the directors' powerful storylines focusing on Prince Andrew's storyThe relationship with the convict is a homosexual Jeffrey Epstein, as well as his own allegations of sexual assault.
And loyal EastEnders fans may be surprised to see Christopher Fairbank, who plays Eddie Knight, briefly star in the film – as a dog owner who talks to the Maitlis in one scene.
One said: “Spent the morning watching Scoop on Netflix, based on @SamMcAlister1's book documenting how that infamous interview with Prince Andrew was achieved – it's an absolutely brilliant and really interesting watch.” Highly recommended!'
Another X user added: “Just watched #Scoop and was blown away – glued to my seat.” But Christ – did we really need to see him naked?!?
More viewers were impressed by the star-studded cast: “Well Scoop is absolutely brilliant.” Great acting from everyone.”
The same user was also happy to see the prince being held accountable: “So satisfying to see how Andrew was brought down by some amazing women.” I hope someone asks the palace if they have seen it.
While others were just there for “Gillian Anderson and Billie Piper” who they felt stole the show.
Another added: “Excellent work by everyone at #Scoop, that interview continues to be amazing.”
One wrote: “Spent the morning watching Scoop on Netflix, based on @SamMcAlister1's book documenting how that infamous interview with Prince Andrew was achieved.” It's a really cool and interesting watch. Highly recommended!'
But others were puzzled by Netflix's choice to broadcast the tale: “It seems strange that #Scoop, which is about a BBC achievement, is on Netflix and not the BBC.”
“You'd think the BBC would want to brag about something they did well for once.”
Rufus Sewell opened up during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, detailing his “obsessive monitoring of the Newsnight interview for hours”.
Speaking about his thoughts after getting the role, he said: “I felt like I could get through that and then, when I got the part, I was like ‘Oh my God, what have I done?’ I’m not a natural impersonator.
“I watched the interview with great concern. I watched it at the time like everyone else, I was kind of dumbfounded for various reasons. Like most people, I had my own judgments.”
