Martin Hearn
Season 3 of Netflix’s The Crown hasn’t even hit our screens yet and already we’re being treated to some huge casting news from Season 4.
For those unfamiliar with the format of the show; Claire Foy played Queen Elizabeth II in Seasons 1 and 2 which was set during the years of 1947 through to 1955. Those seasons featured big storylines such as her wedding to The Duke of Edinburgh, Winston Churchill’s resignation, the Suez Crisis, the Profumo affair, the birth of Prince Edward and so much more. The third season, which is due to air this year, will jump forward in time to 1964 and continue onwards through the 1970s. This jump, however, does mean an entirely new cast with every character being played by a new actor. Olivia Colman will be taking over the role of Queen Elizabeth II, Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret, and Jason Watkins as Prime Minister Harold Wilson to name but a few.
Prime Ministers have always played a prominent role in The Queen’s life and have always been a big part of the show itself so obviously as the show gets closer and closer to 1979 we all wonder who will get to play the Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher, and now we have our answer. It was announced today that none other than Gillian Anderson will be donning the signature pearl necklace and playing the UK’s first ever female Prime Minister. Not a name I ever expected.
One of the most famous portrayals of Thatcher on screen was Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady, for which she won an Oscar, so it’ll be interesting to see how Gillian’s take on her compares. One thing I love about The Crown is how much effort goes into getting the actors looking so perfect for their roles so I cannot wait to see Gillian in costume for this. Another main role for the fourth season will be Lady Diana Spencer who has yet to be cast, something we’ll report on as soon as we know. While we don’t yet have an air date for the fourth season I’m sure that there will be more announcements for the show soon. We’ll keep you updated.
