Andrew Scott has spoken about his portrayal of James Stagg, the meteorologist whose calculations were critical to the success of the D-Day landings, in the World War II thriller "Pressure." Scott described Stagg as a "chilly" but pivotal figure, relishing the opportunity to embody a character who deviates from the traditional heroic mold.
"I really enjoyed the way that Stagg was not interested in ingratiating himself with anybody," Scott told BBC Culture correspondent David Sillito, noting that the meteorologist was "a real fish out of water in this situation."
Scott's performance in "Pressure" delves into the intense dynamics Stagg faced, working alongside a team of meteorologists who were publicly at odds with each other. The actor highlighted Stagg's quiet nature, suggesting it contributed to his status as an unlikely hero. "So many of the heroes in our own lives don't have that big swashbuckling moment," Scott said. "And you know, a hero comes in all different shapes and sizes."
He aimed to capture the complexity of Stagg's motivations and inner workings, acknowledging that the audience might initially question his character. "I tried not to be afraid of the fact that perhaps, at the beginning, the audience might be like, 'Who is this guy?' And hopefully by the end we understand his motivations and his inner workings."
Scott's previous notable roles include his Golden Globe-nominated performance in the romantic fantasy film "All of Us Strangers," his acclaimed role as the "hot priest" in "Fleabag," and his Bafta-winning portrayal of Jim Moriarty in "Sherlock." He has also received acclaim for his stage work, including performances in "Vanya" and "Present Laughter."