THE creator of hit TV series Succession has confirmed the original script was based on Rupert Murdoch, following many years of speculation by fans and media.
Jesse Armstrong, creator, executive producer and writer of the popular series, said he wrote about the real-life media mogul and his family years before the HBO show came into fruition.
Speaking in front of an audience at the Edinburgh TV Festival, the 52-year-old writer, also known for comedy series Peep Show and Fresh Meat, said: “I wrote a script about Rupert Murdoch and his family – the real people, which was the predecessor.
“A distinct entity ended up as a sort of screenplay that started at Channel 4 as a sort of docu-drama and it evolved into a sort of screenplay.”
READ MORE: Brian Cox to address Scottish independence rally
He said he originally stopped working on the script, but added “many years later” he thought it was a “really great idea” and began working on what would eventually become Succession.
The writer admitted it “felt very possible” that the show would only run for one season.
It became a hit, with Scottish actor Brian Cox playing foul-mouthed global media tycoon and family patriarch Logan Roy, and aired for four seasons, scooping up numerous accolades during its run, including the outstanding drama series Emmy last year.
When Murdoch and ex-wife Jerry Hall were going through their divorce, it was reported by Vanity Fair that Hall was banned from contacting the show’s producers in an effort to stop her providing them with ideas for storylines.
Asked about this, Armstrong said he is “sceptical” if this is true.
He added: “I imagine that in their divorce agreement, she was probably restricted from talking to any number of media organisations.
“Well, probably, I imagine that’s a spicy detail, ginned up a little bit.”
He said he thinks “one of Murdoch’s great strengths is not giving a f*** too much about those kinds of things” and that he does not believe the restrictions upon Hall came from Murdoch directly.
READ MORE: How Scotland played a role in the Succession phenomenon
Armstrong was asked if he knew what the show’s ending would be when it first started.
He admitted he “didn’t know what the end of Succession would be”, stating it “would be almost impossible and counterproductive” to have written the ending while the show was still a fledgling series.
He added: “What you need to know is the tone of the ending, so I guess I knew the tone of the ending right as the show starts.”
He said a major plot point that helped direct the show was Roy’s mortality, who, as an elderly man, knew he would eventually die but would be succeeded by his children, giving him a “chance to live on in a way”.
Fans were shocked when the patriarch was killed off in episode three of the final season of the hit HBO show.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here