Andrew Scott, best known for his Emmy‑winning turn in “Fleabag,” recently sat down with Collider’s Steve Weintraub to discuss his new WWII feature “Pressure.” The conversation revealed how a brief stint on the set of Steven Spielberg’s 1998 classic “Saving Private Ryan” informs his approach to playing Dr. James Stagg, the meteorologist whose forecasts helped shape D‑Day. Scott also teased his upcoming biopic role as Scottish actor Ian Charleson.

“Saving Private Ryan” set visit still guides Scott’s performance

Scott recalled that while filming a minor scene for “Saving Private Ryan” thirty years ago, he observed how Spielberg demanded authenticity from every department. He said the experience taught him to “listen to the details” – a habit he now applies to interpreting Stagg’s technical meteorological briefings. According to the interview, Scott believes that the discipline he saw on Spielberg’s set helps him convey the weight of Stagg’s advice without turning the dialogue into a lecture .

Portraying Dr. James Stagg: Balancing science and drama

In “Pressure,” Scott plays the real‑life meteorologist who advised General Dwight Eisenhower in the crucial 72‑hour window before the Normandy landings. The actor explained that the script required him to translate complex weather jargon into something an audience can grasp,while still honoring the historical significance of Stagg’s work. As the interview notes, Scott works closely with the film’s writers to simplify terms like “baroclinic instability” without sacrificing accuracy.

Star‑studded cast anchors the D‑Day narrative

“Pressure” pairs Scott with Oscar‑winner Brendan Fraser, who portrays Eisenhower, and features Kerry Condon as Eisenhower’s aide Kay Summersby, Chris Messina as veteran meteorologist Irving Krick, and Damian Lewis as Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. The ensemble, according to the source, aims to humanise the massive logistical effort behind the invasion, giving viewers a window into the personalities that shaped the operation.

Scott’s next chapter: embodying Ian Charleson in “Elsinore”

Beyond “Pressure,” Scott announced his upcoming biographical role as the late Scottish actor Ian Charleson in Simon Stone’s stage‑to‑screen project “Elsinore.” The production also stars Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, and Johnny Flynn. While details remain scarce, Scott hinted that the role will demand a deep dive into theatrical history, contrasting sharply with his meteorological turn.

Who will verify Stagg’s long‑forgotten contributions?

The interview leaves two key questions unanswered: whether historians have vetted the film’s depiction of Stagg’s influence on the D‑Day weather forecast, and how the production will handle the limited archival material on the meteorologist’s personal life. As the source points out, most of Stagg’s legacy remained obscure for nearly a century, so the film’s accuracy may hinge on newly uncovered records.

According to the interview, Scott’s reflections on “Saving Private Ryan” and his meticulous preparation for “Pressure” illustrate a broader trend of actors using past blockbuster experiences to enrich historical dramas.. The blend of veteran talent and fresh storytelling promises to bring a lesser‑known WWII figure into the public eye.