Steve Coogan on Why He Chose to Play the Sexual Predator Jimmy Savile in The Reckoning
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ก.ย. 2022
- During a press tour at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, British star Steve Coogan sat down with Collider at our Supper Suite to talk about his latest comedy/drama The Lost King. The story centers around the amateur historian (Sally Hawkins) who made history by locating the remains of King Richard III, which were lost for more than five centuries. However, our own Steve Weintraub couldn’t end the interview without talking to Coogan about his next project, which is also based on a real story. Though a far more horrifying one.
In the upcoming BBC TV series The Reckoning, Coogan will play a controversial individual - to say the least. The two-time Academy Award nominee is set to embody Jimmy Savile, a British radio personality that was celebrated for raising a huge amount of money to charities… when he was alive. After Savile died in 2011, several people came forward to reveal that he was probably one of the worst sexual predators that the world has ever seen, with accounts from victims adding up to hundreds of cases of sexual abuse.
During the interview, Coogan didn’t mince his words when referring to Savile, agreeing that he was a monster and stating flat-out that he was “a pedophile.” So why take on such a horrible role?
“Well, I thought long and hard about it. Jeff [Pope] produced it, and I didn't say yes straight away. But I thought it was very well written. The supporting cast I had were exemplary, so it had all the right things in place to make it something worthwhile, and not exploitative, or prurient, or morbid. The script was very good, and there was a lot of care taken over it. I felt like I could do it. He provokes a very, very real revulsion. When I said I was doing it, a lot of people were wondering why we're doing it. [...] He was a fascinating man, and was able to hoodwink a whole nation because he was so famous and successful, and was at the time well-loved by people before they discovered the awful truth about him.”
Coogan also mentioned that he doesn’t see much sense in people giving him a hard time for playing such a horrible character, since it’s “an acting job” and “people play Hitler and serial murderers and no one bats an eyelid.” The actor also underscored that these stories need to be told in order to prevent them from happening again:
“I'm of the mind that to prevent these things happening again, you have to look at them. It's like an uncomfortable process, but you sweep things under the carpet and try and turn your back on someone like this. I think a lot of the revulsion is because people feel the whole nation was either hoodwinked or, if you're being less kind, complicit in enabling him to do the nefarious things he did. […] It's not just about him, it's about what kind of society lays the groundwork for someone like him to operate.”
BBC One has yet to reveal any further details about The Reckoning, including a trailer or an expected release window. The series is penned by Neil McKay, who previously wrote The Moorside and See No Evil. Recently, Netflix released a two-part documentary titled Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story that chronicled Savile’s career and posthumous revelations of his history of abuse.
You can check out the interview with Coogan above and look for more on The Lost King very soon.
#stevecoogan #JimmySavile #thereckoning
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I don't have a problem with them making a biopic about Savile, just like I don't mind movies about serial killers, but what makes me uncomfortable is the fact the BBC is making it when they were compliant with his behavior
Quite.
I can only foresee that NOTHING will be mentioned about covering it up for decades. Which is the opposite of what should be happening.
Inaction of knowledge of such criminal behaviour is complicity.
"Look, we've changed" 😂😂
Hiding in plain view
@@-______-______- if they do that then the victims should get together and put forward a class action lawsuit. I'm pretty sure they have some grounds to sue if this drama which will be watched by millions is changing facts and diminishing responsibility to influence the viewers they're not culpable.
It was a superb portrayal . Even the walk was Saville, and the voice made my husband and I stare at each other in disbelief….in that moment he WAS Saville!
He still looks like Steve Coogan in a blonde wig though
@@normandavidtidiman9918good! I wouldn't want it any other way.
@@normandavidtidiman9918😂😂 the best part
One outstanding performance by Steve.
Alan Partridge would be up in arms over Steve's American pronunciation of 'Peodophile'
This.
Putinphile
@public.public what does that mean?
He's a "dosser", & a "dwad"!🤣😂
And, indeed, your spelling of the word.....
Steve Coogan is a fantastic actor. There aren't many people who would be able to handle this role properly.
He does have a lot of experience and loves the young ladies, very young ladies.
He played jimmy savile before, a long time ago, in his early days.
@@JacknVictor was he the voice on spitting image too? Before my time but saw a clip.
@@serinadelmar6012 yep
@@JacknVictorcertainly was
Three episodes in and Coogan deserves the BAFTA. He won't win it, but he'll have earned it nonetheless.
true
Good comment Steve…….😂
Part of a ritual
I hope it airs in the states and he gets American awards too
He'll get a knighthood for it. 🙄 Just like they gave his mentor Jimi Saville.
Coogan knocked it out of the park
My favourite Coogan character was Paul Calf, who said, "Bag o shite."
Important story to be told and Steve Coogan played him brilliantly, made my skin crawl! He deserves every award going in my humble opinion. A different time but I sincerely hope lessons have been learnt. Must say the victims of his crimes were so brave to tell their story and made the series all the more powerful.
Steve Googan is a brilliant mimick. He played Stan Laural and literally looked like him.
He done Savile and just had his mannerisms spot on.
He is a very talented individual.
Er, the nation wasn't complicit Steve, rather it was the BBC, elites and royalty. I think they all knew him best
Some of the nation were complicit. A lot of the nation saw Savile as utterly charming and for the people whilst also thinking 'not our Jimmy'. That's being complicit in my book
@@jackbudgen8858 Complicit has the nuance of being aware something is wrong but letting it continue unchecked. I don't think the general public knew and turned a blind eye. His handlers and "friends" within the media/establishment who knew but kept were complicit.
The truth of those in the know will come out, it always does. There will be somebody not willing to carry the can and they'll drop names like confetti to bring down others with them.
That was an absolutely disgusting comment for him to make. I knew he was obviously going to come up with some ridiculous excuses to try and defend his decision to take part in this garbage but I didn't think he would sink that low to say something like that.
Watch Jimmy Saviles funeral sadly the nation did look pretty complicite to me.
@@FiregloYou need a deeper understanding of how an enabling culture can operate. And you have not seen the programme; neither have I; no one can either praise or censure it at this point.
Just finished watching the Reckoning with Steve Coogan. He was brilliant as Savile. Steve was also brilliant as Stan Laurel.
Yep. He’s a great actor as quite a few funny men/ comedians are. David Jason is another
The late, great Robbie Coltrane was also another very fine dramatic actor, who initially started out by playing comedy roles. Billy Connolly has done plenty of serious drama roles, too.
Let’s not get sidetracked by the fact it was broadcasted by the BBC, as many seem to be doing. Coogan was masterful. His performance was second to none and it was chilling to behold.
It was made by ITV Production Company
@@QueenBitch-bj9ds You are absolutely right. It was indeed produced by ITV Studios. However, it was commissioned by the BBC. They ultimately gave rise to the programme’s inception and had the decision to broadcast it.
Yes, so who's sidetracked? Sidetracked how?
It didn't exactly show Bill Cotton, Johnnie Stewart or Eric Morley in a good light did it?
Broadcasted ?
@@QueenBitch-bj9ds Goodness me, you’re a contrarian aren’t you?
Steve Coogan was brilliant and does deserves an award.
Steve Coogan is a legend and a a wonderful performer
He supports all that is wrong in britain ,hes a jeremy corbyn lover
Do you or anyone else have any actual solid evidence that Savile was guilty of anything?
I don't think you do because there isn't any.
I thought the whole thing was fantastic and very well done to Steve, brilliant work ❤
I’m looking forward to the release of this film. I enjoy most things Steve Coogan does! 👏👏
What's the problem with an actor playing a role ffs?
The sheep don't like it. Can't think for themselves
the BBC will be pleased to see this history recast Away from them.
He’s a great actor I can’t wait to see it
I find it kinda ironic that Steve portrayed savile cause back in the 90s he voiced savile in the comedy show spitting image
I can’t wait to see this
To be fair Steve Coogan portrayed Tony Wilson and Paul Raymond sensetively.
Not to mention in Greed somewhat based on Philip Green, I watched last time it was on channel 4.
And in Philomena he played Martin Sixsmith, the journalist who helped her find her son.
He's becoming equal or better than Michael Sheen for playing real people
Superb casting.
I wouldn’t be able to have a conversation with Steve Coogan, I’d accidentally take something said seriously as a joke bc I’m so used to Alan. Long live the Coogs!
Alan actually did a Saville impression on Mid Morning Matters.
And voiced the Savile puppet on Spitting Image.
And a slight impression on This Time.
Sounded like an alarm
@@billybear2333 maybe he was trying to warn people?
@@DiRtYLaWs2007 Ah cool didn't know that!
As brilliant an acting performance as I've ever seen - he deserves every acting award going, as does the fantastic series itself.
Be interesting to see why they called it The Reckoning considering when he closed his eyes for the final time he was still Sir Jimmy Saville patron saint of tracksuits and died with no consequences or court justice.
I think there is a line in the series about there being a reckoning when he passes away
As Louisep said. It’s a line when he goes to confession about facing the reckoning on passing.
As vile, reprehensible and disgusting the shot of a human was, his warped logic held a belief that for every evil he committed he could balance it with 2 “goods” that’s why the fucker raised so much for charity, his warped belief that it would absolve him from his truly disgusting acts.
Rot in hell fucker!
I think Steve coogan explained his actions so well and his portrayal of Jimmy Seville really showed us the other side of Saville
Didn't relish watching this but hats off to Steve Coogan for doing a brilliant job!! It shows what a nasty peice of work JS was and how he hoodwinked people into thinking he was a do gooder! Steve Coogan deserves a medal not only for his immaculate interpretation of the man but also the bravery in accepting the part. You deserve an award Mr Coogan x
Steve Coogan is such a cool guy and a great actor ❤
I don't think anyone could've played Saville so brilliantly. He made you want to loathe Saville, over & above what we already knew about his lifetime of sexual abuse to minors. Kudos for being brave enough to take on the role & project.
Coogan makes very good points. I'll be watching on Monday.
He didn't hoodwink a whole nation... Me and the other kids my age around me way back when thought he was a very real creep.
The making your skin crawl type of creepiness.
It was the usual middle class management solution of ignore it and maybe the problem would go away that enabled that nasty piece of work.
I hope the middle class management's role in the atrocity is pointed at.
Because whether you like it or not the BBC is a bastion of middle class nepotism and the middle class management were true to form.
Yes I agree, as a young kid I always found him creepy and scary, seems I was right. I was living abroad when he died and only found out on watching the Reckoning that the monster was buried with honers.. Damn the people and organisations that covered up for him. Hope there is a hell and he is in it 😠
Coogans a brilliant actor and I'm sure his portrayal will make my skin crawl.
The BBC better donate ALL the money made to the victims
It's an ITV Production
@@QueenBitch-bj9dsno it’s not. It’s on the BBC and all the episodes are already on BBC iplayer and not ITV
Coogan used to impersonate Savile on Spitting Image back in the 80s and 90s. This new BBC drama about Savile will probably be the last chance Coogan gets to impersonate him.
Bad idea, Steve doesn't want to be known as Britain's last remaining Jimmy Savile impersonator, "I' m Jimmy Savile AHA!"
He's great in it. Spot on in fact
The reason for playing him was because Michael Sheen was busy 🙄
The money. That's why it's called "Show Business".
I dint think this Show will ever get pit on telly....its taking forever
Apparently, i read that it was ITV drama not BBC did one. Does begs the question why wasn't it then shown on ITV if it was made from them?
Steve excellently uses his words carefully here, when answering why he took the role, but if he was being his regular manc self I like to think it would be more of an answer like "Well I like working with kids".
Jesus
Nah. Not nearly a good enough joke - Coogan would reject that line off the bat, in any context.
Coincidentally, I read Val McDermid’s, ‘The Wire in the Blood,’ just before the scandal broke. Spookily close plot.
Savile was a Devil in a BBC cover.
it's like a partridge confronting a pile, or stock of seeds, thistle, ragweed, foxtail, corn, oats and insects (what partridges eat)
That’s the guy behind “new Larry”!
Brilliant bit of casting, Coogan is superb at that timing that makes things uncomfortable. You can see how he could ramp that up to genuinely creepy.
I’m excited, I don’t see this as like some puff piece for Jimmy Saville but rather a nation’s station’s reckoning of all that has come to light since his passing and basically having gotten away with everything. I think this will actually have a good message, it’s not like there will be graphic scenes of sexual violence set to Gary Glitter’s Rock N Roll Pt 2 in some hyper romanticized action movie manner. I think the material will be dealt with care.
This is one TV drama I'll be happy to miss. Shame on the BBC for their complacency in that monster Saville's behaviour!
what's with the big bangy mics? I thought it was the 1970's again
Coogan has been playing Savile for years.
“Let’s call him Jimmy Saville” 😂
Will have to see this and respect to the brave choice of subject
I trust Steve's judgment, he's a very intelligent and thoughtful man and I look forward to watching the show. My only worry is that the BBC will water it down, turn it PG, make sure the royals, other high profile celebs, and themselves come out unscathed. I'm sure Coogan will do a great job though
Devised and produced by ITV, not BBC. That's just the channel on which it's being shown
@@maxington26 In fact the BBC deliberately didn't produce this drama because they said they were to close to the subject matter.
I suppose they have to also think of the victims as well, it all depends on how much they can cope with , most seem accepting of this portrayal.
I get the impression Coogan didn’t really like the interviewer here.
No the whole Nation was not hoodwinked, he was not loved. Don't blame the British people for what the establishment enabled & sustained Coogan.
Steve Coogan’s portrayal of Savile showed him rationalising his crimes really well running it like a profit and loss account in total denial of his responsibility,stunning performance
And he nailed it brilliantly top actor 👏
And in real life he looks like he’s playing Rolf Harris..😂
Coogan fails to mention the BBC’s complicitness. Incredible.
And you fail to mention the complicity of Thatcher and the Royal Family. Funny that...
Yes, and they missed out just how chummy Jimmy was with the Royal family!
Imagine any of THEM brave enough to give him an acting award! Too many carpets to sweep under.
Isit gonna be on bbc 1?
Having watched this I think far more people were complicit than were caught.
At the begining of this I kept thinking that that monster went to his grave thinking people loved him, but by the end it was plain that he knew that the good reputation he thought he had was unravelling.
Looks like they’ve convinced themselves it was ok to make this dramatisation even though their conscience said otherwise. This is self-delusion.
Who's the actor on the left
I wonder how much the BBC will leave out ?
Watch it. Not much
Bad choice. Why Coogan did this is inscrutable. The Saville Story belongs in a documentary not in a biopic.
There's are loads of documentaries. This had far more impact
i doubt that. The Dame Janet Smith enquiry had real impact.@@charliekane135
is it me or does he look like Rolf Harris in the thumbnail..maybe thats his next perv role lol.
Mr. Saville was an intelligent and engaging predator; to play him does take intelligence and learning to be emotionally detatched.
Thumbnail looks like Rolf.
I Thought you did a brilliant job of doing that character!! Saville was a true monster!! And you played the part brilliantly so hats of to you Steve Coogan!! Well done Sir. Just wonder what charlie boy and his brother Randy andy was involved In this tunnel!! And they probbley where?!?!
Sunshine is the best disinfectant.
Steve Coogan was brave to do this.
I lost my wife at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and there are people there that were disgusted by Savile’s access to vulnerable patients (having spoken with many medical staff) during those times he was around.
Condolences David, whether the loss was a long time ago or recent. Best regards.
he was evil simple
I can't imagine anyone playing Savile better than Steve Coogan, after seeing his performance. He was unnervingly close to the beast, himself
Tough to portray someone like that growing up in Ireland id watch the bbc here and loved top of the pops i got British entertainment more them American humor hard to believe that this person who people watched and enjoyed who did so much for charity would carry out these crimes horrible what happened to the people he preyed on
The message had to b told the enemy in plain sight
When does this get released?
I wonder if it’s been cancelled. EDIT: 2024, apparently.
Coogan's really good in it. After watching the whole thing I feel it was made for the victims.
Saville ..........was every parents nightmare,.....and the real Bogey Man
Steve's portrayal is phenomenal, IMHO.
I grew up with Savile on the TV in the 70s and 80s and Steve had all his idiosyncrasies and mannerisms that I remember of the time.
YES! Savile was a disgusting and vile individual, but the fact that he went to the grave with impunity is the reason WHY dramas like The Reckoning should be made in the first place.
I liked the fact the survivors of his abuse had a voice this time as in previous programmes they didnt have a voice
.
He chased a member of legs & co and made her cry 😂oh Alan
So when is this coming out?
Never, but keep paying your 'licence fee'.
Apparently 2024.
Never, cancelled
09/10/23
He looks like Rolf Harris in this interview.
Just watched The Reckoning. Important for the victims, and to see the signs, of predetors to prevent this happening to others. Lx
Steve played the character as the devil personifed.
It was a chilling an creepy role.
Watching the first one, it is making me very uncomfortable, but as a young girl I never like him thought he was scary, seems I was right. Steve Coogan did a brilliant job, he was very brave to play that monster. Pity so many covered for him and he died without facing up to his crimes, and was buried with honors 😡😠
I hated him when I was a kid
Cant watch BBC in the US even with VPN, iplayer detects it and directs to turn it off then says sorry you are not in UK
In Coogan we trust.
There’s no doubt that both Jimmy Saville and Gary Glitter were looked upon by the majority of people as wonderful entertaining celebrity’s, how wrong we all were.
I can’t imagine the drama being made without Steve Coogan - no one else could play him so convincingly.
It was a brave move. I found it dark and disturbing . He played it brilliantly and with respect to those affected.
Did Coogan deliberately dress up as Rolf Harris here?
Taking on that role could have ruined him -and he already he enough money. An actor(ess) should take on chellenging roles otherwise whats the point.
steve was simply amazing.AND WE SHOULD NEVER FOR GET WHAT THAT MONSTER FOT AWAY WITH………
He did a good job
The guy on the far left, is completely bemused by the comments Steve was making!
Coogan did a fantastic job.
Looks like he could do Rolf Harris too
Massive fan of Steve he creeped the hell out of me in that part.
How many children will coogan come into contact with while playing Savin ?
Oh dear that's really lame 😆
Ironically he looks like Rolf Harris here
Don't be silly now
Steve Coogan played the voice off jimmy for years on Spitting image
He was always going to play this part when the time came
This is the second time Coogan has played Jimmy Savile
I never rated Coogan until this performance, he was excellent.
The only issue I have was Episode 2 and part of Episode 3 were thinly veiled apologist pieces for the BBC shifting blame to individuals and the we did not have any evidence line.
The consternation wasn't from him playing Saville, it was about the series being made by the BBC, one of the institutions that enabled Saville's abuse.