Between The Crown's second and third seasons, showrunner Peter Morgan shocked viewers and actors alike when he basically recast the entire show — and it looks like things are going that way again.
While it's not a complete turnover, there are a few new faces coming to the show for its fourth season, including Emma Corrin, who's playing Princess Diana opposite returning castmate Josh O'Connor. And since Netflix has promised six seasons of the British drama, expect even more shakeups when the fifth and sixth seasons come around. Here are the new (and a few returning) faces to get familiar with before The Crown season 4 arrives on November 15.
Gillian Anderson is Margaret Thatcher
Gillian Anderson (you may know her from '90s stalwart The X-Files and, more recently, Sex Education) is playing the first female prime minister of the U.K. The news broke on social media in September 2019, coming while season 4 was already in production.
"Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable, but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era," Anderson said in a statement.
Emma Corrin is Princess Diana
Relative newcomer Emma Corrin is tasked with playing Princess Diana, something that she's not taking lightly. Her previous work includes playing Pennyworth's Esme Winikus.
"I have been glued to the show and to think I'm now joining this incredibly talented acting family is surreal," Corrin said in a statement, according to Town & Country. "Princess Diana was an icon and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To explore her through Peter Morgan's writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice."
Josh O’Connor is Prince Charles
The actor that played Prince Charles will return for the show's new season. He said that viewers should expect to see a new side of Charles (hopefully).
"I don't want to give anything away, but I'll say that hopefully, people will feel sorry for Charles in season three, and then, maybe, we'll change that in season four," he said in an interview with Town & Country. "Certainly, it feels like there's a definite shift being told in season three. And all across four, there's definitely a different side to Charles that we're going to see."
Tom Brooke is Michael Fagan
Don't recognize the name? It's something of a royal history deep cut, but Michael Fagan was Buckingham Palace's most famous intruder. He broke into the palace and made his way into Elizabeth's bedroom back in 1982. The Daily Mail broke the news.
Olivia Colman is still the Queen
Olivia Colman will reprise her role as Queen Elizabeth, and the season will highlight her relationship with the late-Princess Diana in the 80s.
Helena Bonham-Carter is still Princess Margaret
Bonham-Carter will return as Princess Margaret, whose character will discover a horrible family secret.
And what about seasons 5 and 6?
Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter and Downton Abbey) will replace Colman in seasons five and six. Bonham-Carter is also on her way out. Margaret will be played by Lesley Manville. Netflix also confirmed that Elizabeth Debicki will play Princess Diana in the show's final seasons.
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