Andrew Scott stars as D-Day’s ‘unsung hero’ in new thriller Pressure

Andrew Scott has embraced the role of Group Captain James Stagg, the meteorological advisor whose forecasts played a pivotal role in the success of the World War Two D-Day landings, in his latest film, Pressure.

Speaking to the BBC, the Irish actor described Stagg as an “unsung hero” who possessed significant humility in the face of nature. Scott noted that while Stagg was not particularly charming, he was forthright, direct, and unafraid to speak truth to power when advising General Dwight D. Eisenhower during the planning of the Normandy invasion.

The film, adapted from David Haig’s 2014 stage play, is set almost entirely within the claustrophobic planning rooms where Stagg and his team worked around the clock. Scott highlighted the immense pressure faced by the group, noting that Stagg’s wife was heavily pregnant at the time, adding to the personal and professional stakes of ensuring the weather conditions were favorable for the largest seaborne invasion in history.

Scott, known for roles in Fleabag, Sherlock, and All of Us Strangers, said he appreciated that Stagg was not a traditional war hero. “So many of the heroes in our own lives don’t have that big swashbuckling moment,” Scott observed. “A hero comes in all different shapes and sizes.”

The production consulted with Martin Young, a former deputy chief of the UK Met Office, to ensure authenticity regarding the weather data and equipment of the era. The film also pays tribute to Maureen Sweeney, an Irish woman who confirmed a break in the weather from her lighthouse in County Mayo.

Scott reflected on the themes of leadership and expertise, stating that Eisenhower’s decision to listen to experts demonstrated the “humility of leadership.” He added that the film explores the complex collegiate relationships formed under extreme duress, characterized by a mix of rage, admiration, and connection.

Pressure is set to release in UK and Irish cinemas from September 9.