Netflix viewers spot Gillian Anderson's 'subtle nod' to The Crown in new drama Scoop

Despite only having landed on Netflix three days ago, brand new drama blockbuster Scoop has set hundreds of thousands of tongues wagging.

For those unfamiliar with the huge-name feature-length film, it tells the scandalous story of Prince Andrew's car-crash Newsnight interview with BBC's Emily Maitlis back in 2019 over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

And amongst the numerous observations made by fans of the movie since it dropped are that it seems to compare somewhat to Netflix's hit limited series The Crown.

The high-profile BBC interview with the Duke of York followed months of speculation over his relationship with the sex offender, who died in jail two months prior, after being found guilty of having curated an elite circle of associates who procured, abused and trafficked women and children.

Amongst those to have been associated with Epstein was his close friend, Prince Andrew, who was subsequently accused by Virginia Giuffre of having sexually assaulted her on numerous occasions in Epstein's company when she was a minor.

What many viewers of the intense confrontation were unaware of when it took to their screens five years ago, was how difficult it was for the Newsnight team to secure what would become the 'scoop of the year'.

Netflix

Therefore, the new Netflix addition is a behind-the-scenes look into how a group of female journalists were able to negotiate with Buckingham Palace, and eventually catalyse the Princes' ultimate fall from grace.

The A-list blockbuster was adapted from the written work of ex-Newsnight producer Sam McAlister, who is played by Doctor Who legend Billie Piper.

Amongst the numerous stars also appearing in the production are Sex Education's Gillian Anderson (who plays Maitlis), The Man In The High Castle actor Rufus Sewell who plays Prince Andrew, and Bodyguard front-woman Keeley Hawes as the royal's Private Secretary, Amanda Thirsk.

And as we say, despite only having aired a matter of days ago, thousands of viewers have taken to social media to express their delight at the production.

Netflix

"The acting in #scoop is unbelievable! Can really see how much of a weirdo Andrew really is! #ScoopNetflix," one penned online.

Another went on: "I’m not one to sit through 2-hr movies, but boy, #scoop was so good I didn’t even blink. The guy who plays Andrew is amazing. You need to watch it!!! #PrinceAndrew #ScoopNetflix."

There is one particular observation, however, that a handful of impressed viewers have made about the film, with several comparing it to royal-drama The Crown - also on Netflix.

Maybe it's the huge-name cast, the stellar acting, the immaculate costume design, hair and make-up?

Or maybe it's the fact that both productions feature award-winning actress Gillian Anderson - with the star having played Margaret Thatcher in the period-drama.

Netflix

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Apparently, however, viewers can't quite put their finger on what it is, but the two seem to be connected in some way.

"Netflix’s film Scoop (2024) genuinely feels like a bonus episode of The Crown. The interview was a PR nightmare but an example for great journalism and seeing the behind the scenes of it is amazing ! 8.5/10," one tweeted.

Another went on: "#Scoop at Netflix [or as i call it, The Crown 6.5] is delicious. #Netflix #ScoopNetflix."

"I watched new Netflix film Scoop last night. I decided to check it out mostly for the cast, but I ended up enjoying much more than I expected. It kinda felt like a special episode of The Crown!" a third noted.

Another continued: "#Scoop on Netflix is just like another episode of the Crown."

Don’t have Netflix? You can watch Scoop with a 30-day free trial of Sky and Netflix here.