Michael Sheen’s Transformation into Prince Andrew for “A Very Royal Scandal”

Actor Michael Sheen has shared insights into his remarkable transformation for his portrayal of Prince Andrew in the drama “A Very Royal Scandal.” The three-part series delves into the controversial BBC Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis and the events leading up to it.

To embody the Duke of York, Sheen employed a wig and false teeth, enhancing his physical resemblance to the prince. “It helps with a character if you look very different when you play that character,” he explained. “The act of taking that stuff off and de-rigging, as we call it, allows for a psychological shift.” He emphasized that while he utilizes his natural features, altering his appearance significantly aids in immersing himself in the role.

The interview in question, which aired in 2019, severely impacted Prince Andrew’s reputation. During the segment, he discussed his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and vehemently denied allegations of sexual involvement with Virginia Giuffre, who was then 17. Following the interview, the prince reached a financial settlement with Giuffre, effectively concluding a civil case against him in the U.S. Importantly, the settlement did not include an admission of liability, and Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Sheen expressed that playing real-life characters is often a more intense experience for him, which he relishes. “I’ve tried to stay true to the version of Prince Andrew that I have researched,” he said. However, he noted the challenges of fully understanding a person without personal interaction, acknowledging that public personas can obscure their true nature.

In previous roles, Sheen has portrayed various notable figures, including David Frost in “Frost/Nixon,” Chris Tarrant in the ITV drama “Quiz,” and football manager Brian Clough in “The Damned United.” For Sheen, each portrayal blends accessible research with the narrative crafted in the script, resulting in a unique interpretation of the character.

Alongside Sheen, the series features Ruth Wilson as Emily Maitlis, who also serves as one of the executive producers. Sheen highlighted the interview as a focal point of the project, stating, “I watched that interview in minute detail for months, many times a day. It offers up all kinds of details, and every time you engage with it, you pick up something new.” He acknowledged the pressure that comes with preparing for such a scrutinized performance, emphasizing the depth of research required.

The series arrives on Amazon Prime just months after Netflix released a competing dramatization titled “Scoop,” highlighting the ongoing fascination with Prince Andrew’s story. Other cast members in “A Very Royal Scandal” include Joanna Scanlan as Amanda Thirsk, Alex Jennings as Sir Edward Young, Éanna Hardwicke as Stewart Maclean, and Claire Rushbrook as Sarah Ferguson.

“A Very Royal Scandal” is set to premiere on Prime Video on September 19, promising an intriguing exploration of a pivotal moment in modern royal history. With Sheen’s commitment to his craft and the series’ focus on the nuances of the interview, viewers can expect a compelling narrative that seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding Prince Andrew’s public and private life.