Andrew Scott’s Blink-and-Miss Role in Spielberg’s War Epic

Andrew Scott, who many Aussies will know as the infamous priest from Fleabag, once landed a spot in Steven Spielberg’s legendary war film. Back in 1997, Scott was cast for a fleeting appearance in Saving Private Ryan, a film that’s become a benchmark for the genre. His time on screen was so short, you’d be forgiven for missing him entirely during the chaos of the opening scenes.

Scott’s Role Shrunk by Scheduling Woes

At just 21, Scott was a rising star, and his original part in the film was meant to be much more substantial. He was set to deliver five or six lines as a soldier facing his final moments. But as he explained to Vanity Fair, a clash with another project meant he couldn’t commit to the full role. Instead, he was left with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo during the D-Day landing, where Tom Hanks’ character briefly interacts with him on the beach.

I got cast in this, five or six lines [part], this guy who was about to lose his life. I was filming a Disney film at the time called Miracle at Midnight, and they wouldn’t let me out to be in this Spielberg movie. I was absolutely devastated that I couldn’t do this film. And so they ended up giving me this much, much smaller part…

Ironically, the Disney project was also set during WWII, but Scott’s role there was just as minor. Despite the disappointment, he still valued the experience, saying,

It was still an extraordinary experience just to be on this extraordinary, long stretch of beach.

Saving Private Ryan’s Lasting Impact

Spielberg’s film changed the way war stories were told on screen. The opening 27 minutes, with its raw depiction of the Normandy landings, set a new standard for realism. The film’s unflinching look at the brutality of battle, with all its chaos and carnage, left a mark on punters everywhere. The technical mastery in camerawork and sound design during those scenes is still talked about today.

Here’s a quick rundown: Saving Private Ryan hit cinemas in 1998, directed by Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. The story follows a group of American soldiers sent to find Private James Ryan after his brothers are killed in action. Set in the aftermath of D-Day, the film features a cast led by Tom Hanks, with Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, and others rounding out the squad. The action unfolds across Normandy and occupied France, capturing the grim reality of war.

Legacy and What Might Have Been

Tom Hanks anchors the film, delivering a performance that’s become iconic. Spielberg picked up his second Oscar for Best Director, and the film’s influence can be seen in later hits like 1917, Fury, and Dunkirk. While Scott’s part was barely a blip, he’s since carved out a successful career, proving that sometimes a small start can still lead to big things.

Saving Private Ryan is currently available to stream on Paramount+ for those keen to revisit the classic. What’s your take on Scott’s brief appearance? Let us know your thoughts below.