The historical Netflix drama series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown, is reportedly pushing it’s season 5 film production to 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has stalled and halted many of the big industries around the world. This was gravely felt by the film industry, among others.
Knowing that Season 4 just finished shooting right before the pandemic hit, was a relief to many of its fans. With the coronavirus still making rounds all over the world and in the absence of a vaccine, reports have it that The Crown Season 5 won’t even start shooting until June next year. Although, it looks like the pandemic is likely not the main reason behind it.
Filming break isn’t new with The Crown
According to a Deadline exclusive, The Crown cast and crew are taking a filming break “amid its final cast changeover.”
The media outlet further noted that the coronavirus pandemic had less influence on the set’s filming break. That the global quarantine state has been “helpfully timed” to the show’s hiatus.
Nevertheless, this isn’t the first time The Crown was set in a filming pause. Further noting that a similar situation happened in between The Crown Season 2 and 3. At the time, it reportedly had something to do with Claire Foy stepping away and Olivia Colman taking her place.
Imelda Staunton will play Queen Elizabeth II in the fifth and final season of The Crown. pic.twitter.com/hUOob58A9p
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) January 31, 2020
The Crown Season 5 cast changes
The fifth season of The Crown will feature the debut of Imelda Staunton as the next actress to play Queen Elizabeth II and Lesley Manville, taking the role from Helena Bonham Carter, as Princess Margaret.
Earlier this month, Manville expressed her excitement for reprising the said role, saying, as quoted by E! Online:
“I could not be happier to be playing Princess Margaret. The baton is being passed on from two formidable actresses and I really don’t want to let the side down. Furthermore, to play siblings with my dear friend Imelda Staunton will be nothing short of a complete joy.”
Lesley Manville will play Princess Margaret in the fifth season of The Crown. pic.twitter.com/R5aZEBOW0t
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) July 2, 2020
As many fans know, the two of the aforementioned roles have been turned over three times already, in a span of four years since the series started on Netflix in 2016.
Nevertheless, all are confident, especially the creator of the series, Peter Morgan, that Staunton will give justice to the role of Her Majesty The Queen in the 21st Century setting.
News from the palace: we can confirm there will be a sixth (and final) season of @TheCrownNetflix, in addition to the previously announced five!
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) July 9, 2020
Meanwhile, The Crown Season 4 is slated to arrive late this year. Also, the series is getting six seasons, instead of five.
Featured image courtesy of The Crown/Twitter