Andrew Scott’s Overlooked Saving Private Ryan Appearance Resurfaces

Andrew Scott, now widely recognised for his turn as the 'hot priest' in Fleabag, once featured in what many consider Steven Spielberg’s finest war film. Back in 1997, Scott landed a part in Saving Private Ryan, though his involvement was so brief that most viewers would struggle to spot him. His appearance is limited to a moment during the film’s harrowing opening, where he is seen as an unnamed soldier on the Normandy beaches. Tom Hanks’s character rolls him over, uttering something barely audible, and that’s the extent of Scott’s screen time. At the time, Scott was an emerging talent, but conflicting commitments meant his role was drastically reduced.

The Role That Might Have Been

At just 21, Scott was gaining attention in the industry. He later explained that his original part in the film was meant to be more substantial. In an interview, he recalled,

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, Miracle at Midnight was also set during the Second World War, but again, Scott’s role was minor. Despite the disappointment, he spoke fondly of the experience, saying,

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

Spielberg’s Defining War Film

Saving Private Ryan set a new standard for the genre, particularly with its unflinching depiction of the Normandy landings. The film’s opening sequence, lasting nearly half an hour, is often cited as a masterclass in both camerawork and sound design. The story follows a group of American soldiers sent to locate Private James Ryan after the deaths of his brothers in action. Set in the aftermath of D-Day, the film’s cast includes Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, and several others. Spielberg’s direction earned him a second Oscar, and the film’s influence can be seen in later works such as 1917 and Dunkirk.

Scott’s Career Beyond the Beaches

Although Scott’s part in Saving Private Ryan was fleeting, he has since built a successful career, taking on memorable roles across television and film. The ensemble cast of Spielberg’s epic was packed with talent, making it all the more unfortunate that Scott’s contribution was so limited. Nevertheless, his brief appearance remains a curious footnote in the history of a much-lauded production. Saving Private Ryan is currently available to stream on Paramount+ in the United States.