The Crown season 3: What we know so far and who is playing who

Hear ye, hear ye, here is everything we know about The Crown’s third season!

News regarding the third season of The Crown has been quite the buzz over the last month or so. The world anxiously is waiting to learn who will take over the iconic roles of the British royal family in Netflix’s critically acclaimed drama.

And as the new cast is slowly ushered in, the old is bidding farewell to their time on The Crown. This past Sunday’s SAG Awards gave Claire Foy a parting gift by awarding her an actor for “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series” for playing the role of Queen Elizabeth II on The Crown.

With seasons three and four of The Crown renewed, showrunner Peter Morgan will continue to tell the story of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The assumption is that The Crown will cover her life from age 29 to current day–covering six decades of her life.

Here is what we know about Season 3 re-casting so far:

Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II

Known for her roles in Broadchurch and The Night Manager, Olivia Colman will step into the royal shoes of Queen Elizabeth for season 3 (and hopefully four!). Claire Foy shared her bittersweet feelings with THR about leaving this role behind.

"“The amazing thing about the show is the fact that it will go on and that it hasn’t ended badly. I can’t wait to watch it, and I just think whoever they get to play that part, they’ll be extraordinary.” I will feel what I feel now, which is so happy and lucky for the experience.”"

Paul Bettany as Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip

Doctor Who’s Matt Smith will be replaced with Avengers/Solo star, Paul Bettany in the role of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh–and most importantly, Queen Elizabeth’s husband.

Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret

Replacing the magnificent, royal Vanessa Kirby in the role of Princess Margaret will be Harry Potter alum, Helena Bonham Carter. With a great deal of drama left to cover in the Princess’s life–Carter will have her hands full.

So who else is left?

It remains to be seen who will take on the roles of the Queen Mother (played by Victoria Hamilton previously) and Princess Margaret’s husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones (played by Matthew Goode previously).

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And as we inch closer to the era of Princess Diana, we can’t help but wonder, will she be a part of the story? The answer is–YES! Producers have confirmed that she will be a part of the end of the third season and take over the story in the fourth (and the unconfirmed fifth season). Along with her, Camilla Parker Bowles will also be a part of the third season.

What will be the narrative of the third and fourth season?

With the story ending on the birth of HRH and Prince Philip’s fourth child, Prince Edward, the third season will pick up where the second season left off. It will focus on the era of Prime Minister Howard Wilson during the years of 1964-1970 and 1974-1976. While the fourth season will shift its focus to Princess Di and Margaret Thatcher.

Next: Paul Bettany in talks to play Prince Philip in The Crown

This is just the beginning of what’s in store for The Crown and its upcoming seasons–and we cannot wait to hear more. Be sure to check back for updates in the future!

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