Gillian Anderson Reveals ‘Scary’ Experience of Portraying Emily Maitlis Interviewing Prince Andrew
Gillian Anderson admits feeling intimidated by the prospect of portraying renowned BBC Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis in a Netflix drama centered on Maitlis’s 2019 interview with Prince Andrew. The accomplished actress, known for her roles in “The X-Files” and “Sex Education,” initially hesitated to accept the role due to the daunting nature of portraying a living figure as formidable as Maitlis. Anderson confesses that her reservations about playing Maitlis stemmed from the pressure of accurately depicting someone so well-known and respected.
However, despite her apprehensions, Anderson ultimately decided to confront her fears and take on the challenging role. She acknowledges feeling compelled to accept the part precisely because of her initial trepidation. Anderson recounts meeting Maitlis at a Cancer Research fundraiser and humorously describes feeling underdressed compared to Maitlis’s glamorous appearance. Despite their encounter, Anderson reveals that she refrained from seeking insights from Maitlis directly, as Maitlis is the executive producer of a competing project centered on the same subject matter.
In contrast, Billie Piper, who portrays former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister in the Netflix film, shares her experience of embodying McAlister’s energetic persona. Piper humorously mentions the elaborate preparations, including wearing an expensive wig, required to capture McAlister’s distinctive appearance.
Both Anderson and Piper reflect on their reactions to the original Prince Andrew interview, expressing astonishment and disbelief at the unfolding events. They emphasize the significance of portraying the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to the groundbreaking interview and the pivotal role played by women, particularly McAlister, in its execution.
The actresses recount the meticulous preparations they undertook to recreate the interview scene accurately, including memorizing dialogue and rhythms from the original footage. Anderson and Piper describe the intensity of filming the interview segment and the satisfaction they felt in capturing its essence.
McAlister, who served as an executive producer on the Netflix film, offers insights into Prince Andrew’s perspective on the interview and sheds light on the dynamics of high-profile interviews. She discusses her emotional response to seeing her life depicted on screen and expresses pride in the film’s portrayal of the efforts behind Newsnight’s groundbreaking journalism.
Ultimately, the actresses speculate on Prince Andrew’s likely reaction to the film and assert that he may opt not to watch it. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the project, Anderson and Piper convey their commitment to portraying the story authentically and shedding light on the intricacies of journalistic endeavors.
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