Prime Video’s ‘A Very Royal Scandal’ revisits Prince Andrew’s infamous interview

A royal debacle reimagined

In a move that promises to captivate audiences, Prime Video is set to release “A Very Royal Scandal” on September 19. This dramatization revisits the notorious 2019 interview between Prince Andrew and BBC journalist Emily Maitlis, an event that sent shockwaves around the globe. The series stars Michael Sheen as Prince Andrew and Ruth Wilson as Emily Maitlis, bringing to life the tension and drama of that fateful night.

The cast and their transformations

Michael Sheen, known for his role in “Good Omens”, undergoes a remarkable transformation to portray the embattled prince. His performance is expected to delve deep into the complexities of Prince Andrew’s character, especially his controversial defense of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Ruth Wilson, acclaimed for her roles in “Luther” and “The Affair”, steps into the shoes of Emily Maitlis, whose poised and professional demeanor during the interview earned widespread praise.

A night that changed everything

The series’ synopsis teases, “One night. One hour. One interview that sent shockwaves around the globe.” It promises to explore not just the interview itself but also the events leading up to it and the aftermath that forever altered the lives of those involved. The dramatization aims to provide a nuanced perspective on the scandalous accusations Prince Andrew faced, including his connections to Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre.

Behind the scenes

Directed by Julian Jarrold, known for his work on “The Crown”, and written by Jeremy Brock of “The Last King of Scotland” fame, the series boasts a stellar creative team. The supporting cast includes Joanna Scanlan as Amanda Thirsk, Andrew’s private secretary, and Eanna Hardwicke as Stewart, the deputy editor of “Newsnight”. Other notable cast members include Alexander Owen, Sam Troughton, Claire Rushbrook, and Clare Calbraith.

A different perspective

Interestingly, “A Very Royal Scandal” is not the first dramatization of this infamous interview. Earlier this year, a Netflix adaptation starring Rufus Sewell as Prince Andrew was released. However, the Prime Video series distinguishes itself by focusing more on Emily Maitlis’ perspective, with Maitlis herself serving as an executive producer. This unique angle promises to offer fresh insights into the interview and its far-reaching implications.

Executive production and anthology series

Joining Maitlis as executive producers are Karen Thrussell, Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Diarmuid McKeown, Jeremy Brock, and Julian Jarrold. Josh Hyams also serves as a producer on the series. “A Very Royal Scandal” is part of an anthology of limited series that includes “A Very English Scandal”, starring Hugh Grant, and “A Very British Scandal”, featuring Paul Bettany and Claire Foy. These series have set a high bar for dramatizing real-life scandals, and “A Very Royal Scandal” is poised to continue this tradition.

A production of note

Produced by Blueprint Television for Amazon MGM Studios and distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Television, “A Very Royal Scandal” is set to be a significant addition to the streaming landscape. The series not only revisits a pivotal moment in recent royal history but also promises to offer a compelling narrative that will engage viewers and provoke thought.

For those eager to delve deeper into the story, the trailer and additional information can be found here.

Final thoughts

As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the anticipation for “A Very Royal Scandal” is palpable. The combination of a gripping real-life event, a talented cast, and a skilled creative team suggests that this series will be both entertaining and enlightening. Whether you’re a fan of royal dramas or simply intrigued by the complexities of public scandals, this series is one to watch.