Netflix is known for blockbuster hits that are based on famous novels. Adding to this legacy, Anatomy of a Scandal is all set to be another feather to this cap. Anatomy of a Scandal is based on Sarah Vaughan’s blockbuster novel and provides a riveting look at a scandal that has shaken the British power structure.
Anatomy of a Scandal, a big Netflix series set to premiere in April 2022, stars Rupert Friend (Homeland) as James Whitehouse, a British MP accused of a heinous crime.
The suspense novel digs into the dark mysteries that may be readily hidden beneath power and luxury. Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery plays barrister Kate Woodcroft, who is hellbent on bringing James to justice. Sienna Miller plays James’ wife Sophie, who is determined to keep her family together no matter what.
“I was a huge fan of the book and my character Sophie,” says Sienna. “She is multi-faceted and facing the consequences of the decisions she has made in her life of privilege, that are catching up with her. I loved the arc and journey she embarks on and was thrilled to be part of such a talented cast and crew.”
Anatomy of a Scandal Release Date
Anatomy of a Scandal is a six-part thriller that will premiere on Netflix in the United Kingdom, the United States, and throughout the world on Friday, April 15, 2022.
Anatomy of a Scandal Storyline
Anatomy of a Scandal is a six-part drama about a Westminster scandal as viewed through the eyes of the courts. James Whitehouse, a suave and ambitious junior minister accused of rape, is played by Rupert Friend.
His bright job and high-profile marriage are jeopardized by the charge, but his wife Sophie (Sienna Miller) is confident her husband is innocent and pledges to shield her family from the scandal’s consequences. She is aware, however, that James harbors secrets that might split their family apart. On the other side, prosecution barrister Kate Woodcroft (Michelle Dockery) is sure of James’ guilt and is as keen to see him punished.
She, too, has high goals and thinks that this case would help her advance in her profession. The two women are at the center of a terrible scandal that threatens to wreck not just their marriage, but also the balance of power in their relationship.
Anatomy of a Scandal Cast
The cast of the show includes Rupert Friend who plays MP James, A man who is accused of a heinous sexual offence. From 2012 until 2017, he was best recognized for his role as Peter Quinn in the blockbuster US espionage series Homeland. In addition to Pride and Prejudice, he has appeared in The Young Victoria, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and The French Dispatch. Rupert is also set to feature in the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi television series.
Sophie is played by Sienna Miller, a faithful wife and mother who is determined to hold on to her opulent life. Sienna made her acting debut in the 2004 films Layer Cake and Alfie, in which she co-starred with Jude Law, with whom she subsequently became engaged. Two years later, she played socialite Edie Sedgewick in Factory Girl and appeared in The Edge Of Love. She played Tippi Hedren in The Girl and has also appeared in Foxcatcher, American Sniper, Mississippi Grind, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and American Woman.
Michelle may be best known for her role as hotshot attorney Kate in Anatomy of a Scandal, but to many, she will always be Lady Mary Crawley from the iconic show Downton Abbey. She’s also appeared in the films Defending Jacob, Godless, and the television series Good Behavior. Michelle has appeared in films such as Waking the Dead, Hanna, and Cranford.
Who else is in the cast?
Naomi Scott, who has been in Aladdin and Charlie’s Angels, will play Olivia Lytton, a parliamentary researcher who accuses James of raping her in Anatomy of a Scandal. The drama also stars Josette Simon (The Witches), Geoffrey Streatfield (The Other Boleyn Girl), and Joshua McGuire (Lovesick).
Is there a trailer for Anatomy of a Scandal?
Anatomy of a Scandal is yet to receive a trailer from Netflix. Fans all across the world are anticipating for one with the release date being close enough, a trailer can be expected soon. At the end of January 2022, Netflix released a first glimpse at the actors in character. Michelle Dockery as Kate is dressed as a barrister, Rupert Friend as James is in the defendant box, and Sienna Miller as Sophie is surprised and perplexed.
Production of the series
Netflix announced in May 2020 that the series, created by David E. Kelley and Melissa James Gibson from the Sarah Vaughan novel of the same name, has been greenlit. All of the first season’s episodes were intended to be directed by S. J. Clarkson. Sienna Miller, Michelle Dockery, and Rupert Friend were cast in the series in September. In December, Naomi Scott will be added, while Ben Radcliffe will have a recurring part in January 2021.
The first season officially began its filming in October 2020 at Shepperton Studios. On February 2021, production took place in Oxford.