Gillian Anderson Portraying Emily Maitlis Opens Up About the Challenges of “The Outlaws”
Gillian Anderson expressed her apprehension about portraying Emily Maitlis in the upcoming drama series “The Outlaws,” revealing that she found the role “scary.” Anderson shared her concerns during an interview, highlighting the challenge of embodying a real-life figure like Maitlis, a prominent journalist known for her work on BBC Newsnight.
The X-Files and Sex Education actress had reservations about taking the part.
Anderson was so daunted that she initially turned down the role of the interviewer in the new film Scoop.
Gillian Anderson Portraying Emily Maitlis: Interview
“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,” she says.
But in the end, she decided to dismiss her doubts and accept the part.
Anderson is speaking alongside her co-star Billie Piper in the Langham Hotel, about 100m from where Newsnight is made in the corporation’s New Broadcasting House.
Referring to Maitlis, Anderson laughs: “I think she’s amazing, I’ve since met her and behaved with her as if I knew her. As if we were best friends.”
The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress explains that the pair bumped into each other at a Cancer Research fundraiser at Bafta’s headquarters last year.
“The hilarious part of it was that I had come to this charity event not having prepared at all and was disheveled.”
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“And she showed up as Emily Maitlis, who looks like a movie star and was tanned, short white skirt and everything. I look like her great aunt in the pictures.”
Anderson says she did not get to quiz Maitlis while preparing to play her, for a simple reason. The real-life former Newsnight host is the executive producer of a rival three-part Amazon series.
A Very Royal Scandal will star Luther’s Ruth Wilson as Maitlis and Michael Sheen in the role of Prince Andrew, covering much of the same ground.
“I had an £11,000 wig,” says Piper, beaming as she explains how she achieved the look of McAlister’s trademark wavy blonde locks.
“Really!” says Anderson with genuine surprise at the price. “That’s where the budget went. That was unicorn hair,” she laughs.
The actress delved into the complexities of capturing Maitlis’s essence and mannerisms, emphasizing the pressure of accurately portraying someone well-known to the public. Anderson’s candid remarks shed light on the depth of her commitment to the role and the level of respect she holds for Maitlis’s professional reputation and public image.
Both actresses remember their reactions when the original Prince Andrew interview was broadcast.
“Agog,” says Piper, going wide-eyed as she thinks back. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and felt like, I don’t know if I will ever see anything like this again.”
“I put off watching it,” remembers Anderson. “Because I’d heard what a car crash in slow motion it was in a way. It throws up so many questions.”
This is as much about the story behind [it], the people behind the acquisition of the interview,” explains Anderson.
Both say the fact that it was women, particularly McAlister, who were instrumental in making the interview happen is what most appealed to them.
“It captures all the moments where it almost didn’t happen,” says Anderson.
“Even after they captured it, the Palace could have shut it down. So why not dramatize [it] up until one of the most dramatic and important interviews in history?”/,
What is the plot of ‘The Outlaws’?
The plot of “The Outlaws” revolves around the story of Bianca Censori, an architect whose family is concerned about her relationship with Kanye West. Bianca’s father, a convict, expresses his worries that Kanye is isolating Bianca from her family and transforming her into what he perceives as a “trashy commodity.”
The series delves into the dynamics between Bianca, Kanye, and her family, exploring themes of family relationships, fame, and personal identity amidst high-profile individuals. The narrative unfolds as Bianca’s family grapples with the changes they see in her life and the impact of her relationship with Kanye.
Gillian Anderson Portraying Emily Maitlis is the most powerful role she played.
