Claire Foy is handing over the reins. Olivia Colman is set to play Queen Elizabeth in upcoming seasons of Netflix‘s critically praised drama series The Crown, Deadline has confirmed. The third and fourth seasons have not yet been ordered, but the series is expected to continue.
The role of Queen Elizabeth has been played by Foy in Seasons 1 and 2. Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination in Season 1 as well as a Golden Globe and SAG Award as best actress in a drama. The second season is set to premiere December 8 on Netflix. Shooting wrapped last spring.
The Crown, created by Peter Morgan, tells the inside story of Queen Elizabeth II’s early reign as the fragile social order established after WWII breaks apart. Morgan previously said he intended to replace key cast members in later seasons, to better portray the characters as they aged. The Daily Mail first reported the change-up.
This is not Colman’s first time playing a royal. She portrayed Queen Elizabeth’s mother in the film Hyde Park on Hudson.
Colman starred in Broadchurch and AMC’s The Night Manager, for which she won a Golden Globe for best supporting actress and also received an Emmy nomination.
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