A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for ‘car crash’ interview as release date is revealed

A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed

As a seasoned media observer with years of experience under my belt, I must admit that the ongoing rivalry between Netflix and Amazon Studios is indeed captivating. However, I find it refreshing to see Emily Maitlis, a veteran journalist, taking a more nuanced approach towards this competition.


On Tuesday, Amazon Prime unveiled preliminary photos of their upcoming drama, A Very Royal Scandal, and revealed its release date on their streaming platform.

In this new dramatic portrayal, Michael Sheen takes on the role of Prince Andrew, while Ruth Wilson plays the part of journalist Emily Maitlis, as they reenact the intriguing story behind his controversial interview about the ‘car crash’.

In these regions – the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – you can watch the first episode of our three-part series starting on September 19th, only on Amazon Prime Video.

In my role as a lifestyle guide, I’m excited to share that only five short months have passed since our competition, Netflix, launched their streaming service on April 5th. Now, we’re stepping up our game!

As a former television producer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I have seen countless interviews that have made history, but few have left as lasting an impression as the one Prince Andrew gave to the BBC back in 2019. Having worked on many high-profile interviews myself, I can attest to the fact that they require a delicate touch and careful planning, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects such as this one.

A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed

A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed

In a recent appearance, I found myself standing alongside The Duke of York, his distinguished white locks gleaming under the spotlight. On the other hand, Ruth, a familiar face, was nearly unrecognizable, sporting a striking blonde wig that added a whole new dimension to her usual look.

In the forthcoming series produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the primary emphasis is shifted towards Emily Maitlis, who holds an executive producer role, in contrast to Netflix’s Scoop that predominantly centered around Prince Andrew.

An Amazon representative verified that the upcoming series narrates Emily Maitlis’ career and personal life story as a Newsnight journalist, culminating in her renowned interview with Prince Andrew.

According to a press release, ‘A Very Royal Scandal’ is a narrative that unfolds from the events surrounding Maitlis and Prince Andrew leading up to the interview, the interview itself which made history, and the numerous unanswered questions that followed, ultimately shaping their lives irrevocably.

In the initial installment, Prince Andrew makes efforts to clear his name amidst a global controversy, all while news anchor Emily is determined to arrange an interview with him.

In the second part, the interview presents some unexpected twists and turns, deviating from the usual course, neither Emily nor the Newsnight crew anticipated.

Ultimately, by the third episode, Prince Andrew must deal with the repercussions affecting him, his family, and the Royal business, while Emily ponders her public image and the path forward in her profession.

In addition to Sheen, Wilson, and others, the show will feature Joanna Scanlan portraying Amanda Thirsk, Alex Jennings as Sir Edward Young, Éanna Hardwicke as Stewart Maclean, and Claire Rushbrook as Sarah Ferguson.

A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed

Regarding the competition between Netflix and Amazon’s productions, Maitlis, aged 53, shared with Deadline: “I believe that comparison might be exaggerated or overemphasized. The Amazon series will undeniably be unique. I’m convinced there’s space for both to thrive.”

Previously from BBC, she mentioned that she chose to depart the Scoop team so they could independently work, as I believe they prefer not to have me occasionally looking over their shoulders.

‘According to what it states, it is a work of fiction rather than a depiction of real events. Therefore, I assume it explores unique locations and performs actions distinct from those in the Amazon series.’

Netflix started Scoop with a notice explaining that while the movie is inspired by true events, some parts have been imaginatively altered to enhance the storyline.

Netflix’s series titled “Scoop” is adapted from a book of the same name by Sam McAlister. It revolves around the character portrayed by Billie Piper, who is a BBC producer, as she embarks on a mission to obtain an interview with Prince Andrew (played by Rufus Sewell) at Buckingham Palace, persistently pursuing this opportunity despite the challenges that come her way.

Gillian Anderson plays Emily Maitlis as she pointedly questions the Duke.

A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed
A Very Royal Scandal first look: New Amazon Prime series sees Michael Sheen transform into Prince Andrew while Ruth Wilson stars as journalist Emily Maitlis for 'car crash' interview as release date is revealed

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2024-08-13 19:19

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