Gillian Anderson, known for her roles in iconic shows like The X-Files and The Crown, is taking on a new challenge in the film “Scoop,” portraying journalist Emily Maitlis in the story of the bombshell 2019 BBC interview with Prince Andrew. Anderson sees the film as more than just another royal family project, focusing instead on the powerful women involved in making the interview happen. Anderson’s new energy drink line, G Spot, targeted for women, reflects her interest in women’s sexual health issues.
The decision to take on the role of Emily Maitlis in “Scoop” was more about Anderson’s admiration for Maitlis’ work and her podcast, rather than focusing on another story about the royal family. Anderson emphasizes the film’s focus on the BBC and the impactful portrayal of the women involved in the interview process. She found the script to be intriguing and fresh, with a thrilling narrative that caught her attention. Her interest in the story stemmed from her appreciation for the writing and the director’s ability to bring the story to life on screen.
Exploring the character of Emily Maitlis, Anderson delves into the balance of journalism and personal impact on the story. She notes Maitlis’ gentle approach at the beginning of the interview with Prince Andrew, showcasing strategic tactics to elicit responses from him. Anderson finds the portrayal of women like Maitlis and another key figure, Sam McAlister, holding powerful men accountable to be a standout aspect of the film.
Having played a variety of strong and unique female characters throughout her career, Anderson reflects on her role choices and the common theme of portraying badass women. She attributes the roles that come her way to a combination of luck, script quality, and her preference for multifaceted and complex characters. Anderson enjoys the support of her fans, who continue to follow her career across different projects and platforms.
Anderson’s recent ventures into social media, fashion, and launching a drink brand have contributed to her increased visibility and fan engagement. Surprised by her new status as a social media darling, Anderson sees the potential in using her platform to connect with fans and address issues such as equity, inclusion, and healthy energy drinks. She aims to create a space of respect and representation through her brand and projects.
In her forthcoming book “Want,” Anderson explores the topic of women’s desires and the challenges they face in communicating their needs, particularly in intimate settings. She delves into the issue of women feeling hesitant to express their desires to their partners, leading to barriers in achieving mutual satisfaction. Anderson’s insights from the collected essays shed light on the importance of open communication and empowerment for women in sharing their wants and needs.
