Amazon is reportedly having “crisis talks” after a Netflix won the race to release its blockbuster film based on Prince Andrew’s Newsnight interview.
Scoop, starring Gillian Anderson as former BBC journalist Emily Maitlis, won plaudits after it was released on Netflix on April 5.
However, Amazon’s three-part series A Very Royal Scandal, in which Michael Sheen plays the Duke of York, is not set to air until October – six months later.
Now, according to The Sun, Amazon bosses are looking for ways to drum up attention.
An insider said: “Amazon’s in crisis talks. They spent a lot of money and are really worried that when it comes out, the public will think, ‘We’ve watched this,’ and it’ll flop.”
A Very Royal Scandal covers the Newsnight interview from the perspective of the former BBC reporter.
One idea, The Sun reports, is said to be getting Maitlis, who has served as a producer on the show, to grill Ruth Wilson who will play her.
The insider reportedly added: “Getting Scoop out first was the best thing. Amazon feels like it’s already lost the battle with Netflix.”