The Crown’s creator Peter Morgan has announced Imelda Staunton will replace Olivia Colman as the Queen for its fifth and final season.
This announcement may come as a surprise for fans as Morgan had originally planned for a sixth season. “At the outset I had imagined The Crown running for six seasons,” said the show’s creator. “But now that we have begun work on the stories for season five it has become clear to me that this is the perfect time and place to stop.”
Netflix vice-president, Cindy Holland said in a statement that she fully supported Morgan’s creative decision. “I am excited to see how he, Imelda Staunton and the cast and crew of season five bring this landmark series to fitting and spectacular end,” she said.
Viewers may recognise Staunton for her role as Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She also gained a best actress Oscar nomination for her role in the 2004 film Vera Drake.”I have loved watching The Crown from the very start,” said Staunton. “I am genuinely honoured to be joining such an exceptional creative team and to be taking The Crown to its conclusion.”
The show’s fourth season is expected to air at the end of 2020. It is set between the 1970s and 1980s and will see the introduction of Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher.
