Netflix’s The Crown is clearing out its cast for its upcoming third season, as the acclaimed royal drama fast forwards to the middle years of Queen Elizabeth’s life and the rest of the Windsor family. Olivia Colman is set to take over the lead role from Claire Foy, with Helena Bonham-Carter and Tobias Menzies replacing Vanessa Kirby and Matt Smith, respectively. Other new players, meanwhile, include Ben Daniels and Jason Watkins.
Now, Deadline’s revealed even more new additions to the cast of The Crown season 3. First off, there’s Josh O’Connor, who’ll play the young Prince Charles, the first time the next in line to the throne has been portrayed as an adult on the series after being played by child actor Julian Baring in previous seasons.
The 28-year-old O’Connor has previously been seen in the likes of Florence Foster Jenkins and God’s Own Country, and in a recent statement, here’s what he had to say about his casting:
“I am thrilled to be joining The Firm for the next instalment of The Crown. Seasons 3 and 4 will follow some of the most turbulent events in the Prince of Wales’s life and our national story and I’m excited to be bringing to life the man in the midst of it all. I’m very aware it’s a formidably talented family to be joining, but reliably informed I have the ears for the part and will fit right in.”
Next, Marion Bailey’s been cast as Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, replacing Victoria Hamilton from seasons 1 and 2. Bailey’s a hugely prolific actress and has been a regular face in British film and television since the 1970s. Speaking about the role, here’s what she had to say.
“Wonderful to be joining The Crown. It’s a brilliant show and we have a tough act to follow but what a gift to be playing the fascinating and greatly loved Queen Mother. Thrilled to be on board and working with such a top-notch team.”
Production on The Crown season 3 just started this month, which Bonham-Carter revealed back in June. Unlike previous years, though, it won’t release in November or December but is instead expected to hit the streaming service at some point in 2019. And once we’ve got an exact date for when it’ll premiere, we’ll be sure to let you know.