Michael Sheen would never want to be a member of the royal family.
In the new miniseries 'A Very Royal Scandal,' Prince Andrew is portrayed by Sheen.
While filming his latest project, Michael Sheen gained some understanding of what it's like to be a member of the royal family, but he knows he could never live as an actual royal.
In a recent interview with People, Sheen spoke about his latest project, "A Very Royal Scandal," where he portrays the disgraced Prince Andrew in the days leading up to his interview on "Newsnight" with Emily Maitlis, in which he discussed his friendship with Jeffery Epstein.
Sheen conducted thorough research to understand the mindset of a royal, ultimately deciding that he "absolutely" would never want to be a member of the royal family.
"No, I would not want to live in a palace with all the luxuries and servants, despite the fairytale image of it. The reality is that there are more restrictions than freedoms, and no amount of wealth or privilege can compensate for not having basic freedoms that many of us take for granted. So, no, I would not choose that life."
Although Sheen had previously portrayed British Prime Minister Tony Blair in "The Special Relationship" and "The Queen," he was still unfamiliar with the inner workings of the monarchy when he first played a royal on screen.
"The reality seems to be that there are far more restrictions than there are freedoms. 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. So no, I would not want to have that life." — Michael Sheen
He discovered that the royals and the media share a unique relationship, as he previously believed they were distinct entities.
He was surprised to learn that there are ongoing negotiations between the two institutions, with each side making deals and promises. These negotiations involve a complex web of agreements, and he found it fascinating to observe.
The 2019 interview is showcased in "A Very Royal Scandal," where Prince Andrew attempts to clear his name of sleeping with an underage girl who was trafficked by Epstein.
Prince Andrew has been criticized for appearing defensive during his interview, and he has stated that he does not regret his friendship with Epstein because the opportunities it provided were "extremely beneficial."
Sheen watched several interviews featuring Andrew, one of which stood out due to a "startling" laugh he felt was unusually "exposed" for a member of the royal family.
"The royal family, known for their controlled demeanor, experienced a moment of surprising emotion, even if it was just a laugh, according to the person who spoke to People. Despite their usual composure, this incident left a lasting impression on the speaker."
Playing Prince Andrew was more challenging for Sheen than he anticipated, as it was difficult to determine what was true.
Playing Prince Andrew presents a significant challenge compared to other roles, as it is like navigating a maze of reflections, according to the actor.
The royal family is tightly controlled in what is released to the public. This results in stage-managed photographs, interviews, and personal appearances on one hand, and gossip, rumors, and unverified information on the other. It is difficult to determine the motivations behind these releases.
entertainment
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