When preparing for his role as Prince Andrew in A Very Royal Scandal, actor Michael Sheen took an unexpected route to understand the character.
Rather than relying solely on the infamous 2019 Newsnight interview, Sheen dove into Prince Andrew's past, focusing on moments when the Duke of York was perceived differently
One such moment? A throwback to Andrew’s triumphant return from the Falklands, which provided the actor with a key emotional connection.
The Power of a Single Image
At a screening in London, Sheen explained how a particular image of Andrew, fresh from the Falklands conflict, holding a rose in his mouth, shaped his portrayal
“That was my hook,” Sheen said
"He was this brave, fit, and celebrated figure
From that high point, everything went downhill
For Sheen, finding these contrasting moments of triumph and subsequent decline helped him get into the mindset of a man whose life had drastically changed.
The Challenge of Becoming Prince Andrew
Sheen often selects roles that are both challenging yet achievable.
He admitted that playing Prince Andrew was a perfect balance of familiarity and difficulty
The disgraced royal's life may have been well-documented, but capturing the complexity behind the fall from grace was no small feat.
Sheen's method allowed him to dive deep into the character, but despite his performance, he made it clear: he would never want to be part of the royal family in real life
Sheen's Real-Life View of Royal Life
In a candid interview, Sheen expressed how little the royal lifestyle appeals to him
"Living in palaces and having everything you want may sound like a fairytale," he said
"But the reality is full of restrictions
No amount of privilege can make up for losing basic freedoms that most of us take for granted
I wouldn’t want that life."
A Very Royal Scandal: A Dramatic Retelling
A Very Royal Scandal, a three-part series premiering on Prime Video on September 19, 2024, delves into one of the most notorious moments in British royal history
The show follows the lead-up to and aftermath of Prince Andrew's disastrous interview with Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis, played by Ruth Wilson
The series explores the ripple effects of the interview, from Andrew’s attempts to clear his name to the destruction of his public reputation.
Competing with Netflix’s ‘Scoop’
Interestingly, A Very Royal Scandal will be released just five months after Netflix’s version of the same event, titled *Scoop
While both productions focus on this pivotal interview, each offers unique perspectives on the unraveling of Andrew’s public persona.
The Interview that Changed Everything
In the trailer for A Very Royal Scandal, Prince Andrew, portrayed by Sheen, confidently declares, "I'm going to blow this out of the water
Little did he know, the interview would do the exact opposite
Emily Maitlis, who conducts the interview, becomes a household name, while Prince Andrew’s reputation crumbles.
The series offers a closer look at the interview itself, the twists and turns during the conversation, and the fallout that would affect both Andrew and Emily.
The Aftermath
As the series unfolds, viewers will see Prince Andrew navigating the consequences of the interview, dealing with the implications for his family and the royal institution
Meanwhile, Emily reflects on the impact the interview had on her career and reputation
The show promises to explore the human side of the event, showing the pressures on both Andrew and Emily during this intense period.
A Very Royal Scandal will be available to stream in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, offering viewers a gripping look at the interview that forever changed the Duke of York’s public image.
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