Andrew Scott’s Overlooked Saving Private Ryan Role Still Resonates

Andrew Scott, widely recognized for his breakout role as the 'hot priest' in Fleabag, once found himself on the set of Steven Spielberg’s legendary World War II epic. In 1997, Scott landed a part in Saving Private Ryan, but his appearance was so fleeting that even devoted fans might miss it. During the film ’s unforgettable opening, Scott appears as an unnamed soldier amid the chaos of the Normandy landings. In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, Tom Hanks ’ character rolls him over on the beach, uttering a line that’s nearly impossible to make out. At the time, Scott was an emerging talent, but scheduling conflicts meant his role was cut down to a mere split second.

Plans for a Larger Role That Never Materialized

At just 21, Scott was gaining attention in the industry and had originally been cast for a more substantial part in Spielberg’s film. Reflecting on the experience, Scott shared in an interview:

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 that kept him away was also set during World War II, but his role there was just as minor. Despite the disappointment, Scott still valued the chance to work with Spielberg, recalling the impact of being on set:

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

Saving Private Ryan’s Lasting Impact on War Films

Spielberg’s film redefined the war genre, plunging viewers into the brutal reality of the Normandy invasion with a level of intensity and realism that was unprecedented in 1998. The opening 27-minute sequence, in particular, is often hailed as a masterclass in filmmaking, with its immersive camerawork and sound design. The story follows a squad of American soldiers sent behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan after his brothers are killed in action. Set in the aftermath of D-Day, the film’s cast includes Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, and several other notable actors.

Tom Hanks anchors the film with a powerful performance, while Spielberg’s direction earned him a second Oscar for Best Director. The movie set a new standard for war films, paving the way for later hits like 1917, Fury, and Dunkirk. Even though Scott’s role was reduced to a brief appearance, he went on to build a successful career in film and television.

Legacy and Where to Watch

Saving Private Ryan’s influence on Hollywood is undeniable, with its raw depiction of combat and its emotional depth. While Andrew Scott’s part may have been small, his experience on set was unforgettable. The film remains a touchstone for war movies and continues to captivate audiences decades after its release.

Currently, Saving Private Ryan is available to stream on Paramount+ in the United States.