We haven’t even seen the fourth series of The Crown yet – filming has been put on pause thanks to coronavirus – but that doesn’t mean we can’t be excited about the fifth series too, does it? Our keenness to see how the Netflix programme will end (while originally set to reach a sixth series, it has been confirmed that the fifth will be the last) has reached fever pitch today at some exciting casting news: Oscar nominee Lesley Manville has been cast as the colourful Princess Margaret.
Word spread of the developments last night. Lesley takes the role from Helena Bonham Carter, and joins Imelda Staunton, who will play Elizabeth II after Olivia Colman vacates the part. The two royal sisters were first played by Claire Foy and Vanessa Kirby in the acclaimed first two series.
‘I could not be happier to be playing Princess Margaret’, Lesley wrote in a statement shared by The Crown’s official Netflix account. ‘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.’
The pair were most recently seen onscreen together in the Maleficent franchise, in which they played fairies Knotgrass and Thistlewit. Lesley has enjoyed a distinguished acting career that has seen her nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Phantom Thread. She starred in acclaimed BBC comedy, Mum, is a regular collaborator with Mike Leigh, and was just seen on our screens in the remakes of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues, filmed in isolation. She was once married to fellow actor Gary Oldman.
There is currently no word on who will play other members of the royal family, like Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Princess Diana. Those roles are covered by Tobias Menzies, Josh O’Connor, Erin Doherty and Emma Corrin in the forthcoming fourth series. Nevertheless, the issues of salary is sure to be carefully negotiated. The first two series were blighted by revelations that Matt Smith, who played Prince Philip, was paid more than Claire, despite the fact her role was significantly bigger. This was resolved privately to the satisfaction of all parties, according to reports.
Honestly, we can’t wait to see what Imelda and Lesley do with the roles. We’re sure they’ll be a royal knockout.
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