Get the latest gossip
How Steven Moffat’s ‘Douglas Is Cancelled’ Tackles the ‘Heated Topic’ of ‘Cancel Culture’ With Dark Humor: ‘It’s Almost Like a Sport’
'Sherlock' writer Steven Moffat tackles 'cancel culture' in his new dark comedy 'Douglas is Cancelled.'
There have been two high-profile cancellations of British anchors in the past 12 months: BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, for allegedly paying a teenager for explicit images, and morning show host Phillip Schofield, after he admitted an affair with a young PA. Moffat, who began writing his script back in 2018, says neither inspired the character of Douglas. For his part, Bonneville says his performance was less informed by present-day cancellations than 17th century writer Samuel Pepys, who was nearly ostracized after his clerk was accused of murder. “I can’t think of anyone who would, not when you’ve got a character as well written, and drama as tantalizing and as funny and as ultimately dark as this.” Indeed, Moffat delights in peppering the tale with comedic moments even as Douglas’ life slowly falls apart.
Or read this on Variety