Although it was initially intended to run six seasons, Peter Morgan, creator of The Crown, has announced that the acclaimed Netflix series will instead come to an end with a fifth and final season next year, with Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake, Harry Potter) set to succeed Claire Foy and Olivia Colman in the role of Queen Elizabeth II.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to confirm Imelda Staunton as Her Majesty The Queen for the fifth and final season, taking The Crown into the 21st Century,” said Morgan. “Imelda is an astonishing talent and will be a fantastic successor to Claire Foy and Olivia Colman. At the outset I had imagined The Crown running for six seasons but now that we have begun work on the stories for season 5 it has become clear to me that this is the perfect time and place to stop. I’m grateful to Netflix and Sony for supporting me in this decision.”
“The Crown defined an era, and I know the upcoming fourth season will build further on that success.” added Cindy Holland, VP of Original Content at Netflix. “It’s a stunning example of award-winning entertainment, created in the UK and loved by millions of fans around the world. I fully support Peter Morgan’s creative decision and am excited to see how he, Imelda Staunton and the cast and crew of season 5, bring this landmark series to a fitting and spectacular end.”
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The first three seasons of The Crown are available now on Netflix while season four is expected to premiere later this year, with Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) playing Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Emma Corrin (Pennyworth) portraying Princess Diana.
