Michael Sheen’s unique method to channel Prince Andrew for royal drama

Virgin Radio

10 Sep 2024, 14:01

The Welsh actor reveals how he got into character for Prime Video's A Very Royal Scandal by focusing on the Duke of York’s “fit” throwbacks.

Michael Sheen, known for his uncanny ability to transform into real-life figures, is once again at the helm of a high-stakes role, this time as Prince Andrew.

The actor, who has previously portrayed everyone from Tony Blair to Brian Clough, is taking on one of his most challenging roles yet – the disgraced Duke of York in Prime Video’s A Very Royal Scandal.

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And how did Sheen prepare for such a complex character? By looking at "hot" throwbacks of the prince, of course!

During a London screening of the highly anticipated drama, Sheen revealed his unconventional approach to getting into character for the series, which dramatises Prince Andrew’s infamous 2019 Newsnight interview with journalist Emily Maitlis.

Speaking candidly, Sheen said: “Whenever I've played a character based on a real-life person, first and foremost, I'm looking for where's the point of connection? What's the thing that hooks me in?”

For Sheen, that hook was a striking image of a young Prince Andrew, fresh from his return from the Falklands War, looking every bit the royal heartthrob.

“It was the footage of Andrew when he came back from the Falklands on the dockside with the rose in his mouth – that's about as good a moment as you're ever going to get,” Sheen explained, adding, “You're the brave, conquering hero returning.

"You're really fit! Really hot! And everyone thinks you're great. And it was sort of downhill from there, wasn't it?”

The actor’s reflections on Prince Andrew’s early image as a royal war hero feel almost like a mirror to his own approach to transformative roles.

Much like when he embodied Tony Blair’s polished charisma in The Queen, Sheen found himself drawn to the image of the young Duke at his peak, when his reputation was untarnished, and the royal spotlight was still full of admiration.

But, as Sheen wryly notes, that journey certainly didn’t continue on the same trajectory, and portraying Andrew's later downfall was both a challenge and a responsibility.

While Sheen brings his trademark commitment to this role, he made it clear that he has no desire to ever be part of the royal family in real life.

"Absolutely not,” he told PEOPLE.

He continued: “The fairytale image of it seems so extraordinary – living in palaces and having everything you want and servants and all that kind of stuff. But the reality seems to be that there are far more restrictions than there are freedoms.”

Sheen’s take on royalty, much like his portrayal of Prince Andrew, is complex and layered.

“No amount of wealth or assets or privilege can make up for not being able to have basic sort of freedoms that a lot of us take for granted,” he continued. “So no, I would not want to have that life.”

In A Very Royal Scandal, Sheen stars alongside Ruth Wilson, who portrays journalist Emily Maitlis.

The three-part series, set to premiere on September 19 on Prime Video, focuses on the lead-up to the infamous interview, the tense exchange itself, and the fallout for both Maitlis and the Duke.

Unlike Netflix’s Scoop, which took a broader view of Prince Andrew’s public image, this series zeroes in on the intense personal and professional stakes for Maitlis, who is also an executive producer on the project.

As Sheen steps into the shoes of yet another controversial figure, the series promises to provide a gripping re-enactment of one of the most talked-about royal scandals in recent history.

From the "hot" young prince who captivated a nation to the embattled royal caught in the storm of public disgrace, Sheen’s portrayal will undoubtedly offer a deep dive into the complex and often contradictory nature of Prince Andrew’s public and personal life.

Prime Video’s A Very Royal Scandal is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, with Sheen once again proving why he remains one of the most formidable talents in the industry.

The three part series will premiere on 19 September exclusively on Prime Video in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.