Over the past few weeks, ‘The Crown’ has announced a number of new key cast members, who are set to play the Royal Family in the final three series of the popular show.
The show has been viewed by 73 million accounts since it launched in 2016, with viewership going up each season. The third series – released last winter – was watched by 21 million accounts in its first four weeks of release.
The Queen
Imelda Staunton, who is an Oscar nominee, will take over the titular role of Queen Elizabeth II from Olivia Colman. Staunton is previously known for her performance in Vera Drake, and as Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter franchise.
The role of The Queen was previously played by Claire Foy in the first and second series. This was passed onto Olivia Coleman for the third and upcoming fourth series. Both actresses won Golden Globe awards for the portrayal of the Monarch during their time in the role, as well as receiving high praise from critics globally.
Upon receiving the major role, Staunton said she is ‘genuinely honoured to be joining such as exceptional creative team and to be taking ‘The Crown to its conclusion’. She also paid tribute to her predecessors saying: “As an actor is was a joy to see how both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman brought something special and unique to Peter Morgan’s scripts.”
Prince Philip
British Oscar nominee actor Jonathan Pryce (pictured below) will be taking over the role of Prince Philip from fellow ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Tobias Menzies. Menzies portrayed the role during the third and fourth season, alongside Coleman.
Pryce comments he’s ‘delighted’ to be working with Netflix again. “The positive experience I had making ‘The Two Popes’ has given me the confidence to tackle the daunting prospect of portraying Prince Philip. To be doing so with Peter Morgan in the company of Imelda and Lesley will be a joy.”
Mr Pryce steps into the shoes of Matt Smith who played the role of the Prince during the first and second series. Followed by Tobias Menzies, who played the role in the third and soon-to-be released fourth series. Both actors have been nominated for their critically acclaimed portrayal of Prince Philip.
Pryce previously appeared in Doctor Who, Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End and The Two Popes.
Diana, Princess of Wales
Diana, Princess of Wales has been cast for the fourth series, due to air later this year, with a change of actress in the fifth series. Netflix has chosen Emma Corrin for the role; she is best known for guest role in Granchester as well as the Warner Bros/EPIX series Pennyworth.
Emma Corrin will play Lady Diana Spencer in The Crown Season Four. Filming will begin later this year. pic.twitter.com/WNL0f2xZi3
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) April 11, 2019
Corrin (pictured below) says she is ‘beyond excited and honoured to be joining The Crown for its fourth season.’
“I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I’m now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal. Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice!”
The later series will see Elizabeth Debicki take over, who viewers might recognise from Guardians of the Galaxy or The Great Gatsby. She will take Diana’s role up until the series finishes.
Elizabeth Debicki will play Princess Diana in the final two seasons of The Crown (Seasons 5 and 6). pic.twitter.com/Z3CjHuJ56B
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) August 16, 2020
Princess Margaret
Helena Bonham Carter will take the role of Princess Margaret up to the end of series four; then Lesley Manville will take over, portraying the Royal in the years of rumour and scandal in her marriage, and finally divorce.
Mavnille has extensive stage experience, as well as a history of period dramas including ‘North and South’ and ‘Cranford’.
Lesley Manville will play Princess Margaret in the fifth season of The Crown. pic.twitter.com/R5aZEBOW0t
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) July 2, 2020
What do you think of these casting announcements?
