Playing a real person can be daunting for any actor. Their portrayal needs to be accurate, yet not just a mere imitation. Helen Mirren’s depiction of the Queen, Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, and Joaquin Phoenix’s Oscar-nominated performance as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line exemplify this balance. Conversely, Naomi Watts’ portrayal of Princess Diana was less than favorable.
Now, Gillian Anderson has admitted feeling “scared” to embody journalist and former BBC newsreader Emily Maitlis in the upcoming Netflix film Scoop. The film, set to stream from April 5th, delves into Maitlis and her Newsnight team’s efforts to secure an interview with Prince Andrew, portrayed by Rufus Sewell.
The storyline draws inspiration from former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister’s memoir.
“It was just too scary to play Emily Maitlis, because she’s still living, because she’s so formidable, because people know her so well,” Anderson told.
In fact, the Sex Educationactor was so intimidated by the idea that she initially turned down the role. “I thought I probably do have to do it because I’m so scared of it,” she explained of her change of heart.
Anderson’s apprehension is understandable. Maitlis is a broadcasting icon, highly recognizable, respected, and influential in Britain.
A poor portrayal could be career-damaging, even for a talented actor like Anderson. Additionally, depicting a revered public figure like Maitlis presents its own challenges.
While Sewell can capitalize on the public’s skepticism about Prince Andrew, Anderson must convincingly embody Maitlis’s poise, strength, and competence, especially during that pivotal interview.
Maitlis is adored for her outspokenness. Despite BBC impartiality rules, she fearlessly voiced her opinions on the government and its ministers.
In 2020, she openly criticized Dominic Cummings for breaching lockdown rules, stating,
“Dominic Cummings broke the rules. The country can see that and it’s shocked the government cannot.”
Although the source distanced itself from her remarks, Newsnight viewers rallied behind her.In her MacTaggart lecture two years later, she labeled a BBC board member an “active agent of the Conservative Party.” Few former presenters would dare to confront the national broadcaster so boldly.
Repeatedly, Maitlis has demonstrated her resilience in confronting power. Her interviews, reports, tweets, and opinions prioritize the interests of the British public over the broadcaster she represents, the governing party, or even herself.
Maitlis excels at demystifying politics and its central figures, who often resort to obfuscation and filibustering. Through her work, she fosters critical thinking and makes complex issues more accessible.
As the co-host of The News Agents podcast with Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, she brings a calm yet relentless approach to exposing hypocrisy and delving into the stories behind the headlines.
Describing herself as “less buttoned up, a bit more unvarnished,” Maitlis fearlessly tackles topics such as the efficacy of Ofcom’s regulation of GB News, the Conservative Party’s refusal of further donations from an alleged racist, and politicians’ motivations behind pushing for a general election—questioning whether they seek to safeguard their own seats.
Maitlis is among the few broadcasters whom we trust implicitly. She is forthright, no-nonsense, and unafraid to hold those in power accountable.
Anderson’s apprehension about embodying her persona for Scoop is understandable, as figures like Maitlis are rare gems in the media landscape.
