While audiences might have hoped to see Netflix’s popular drama series, The Crown, delve into current royal drama — from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, to Prince Andrew, and more — the show will come to an end soon. It will conclude with a fifth season and actress Imelda Staunton is set to take over, from Oscar winner Olivia Colman, as Queen Elizabeth II.
Creator Peter Morgan stated that while he thought the show would have six installments, working on stories for season five, “it has become clear to me that this is the perfect time and place to stop.” Morgan, however, will continue to work with Netflix, having just signed an overall deal last year.
Staunton is a British actress known for her stage and screen work, having earned a BAFTA award, five Olivier awards and an Oscar nomination during the four decades she has been in the business. While Claire Foy and Olivia Colman play Her Majesty for two seasons each, Staunton will only portray Queen Elizabeth II for the final season.
“I have loved watching The Crown from the very start,” Staunton said. “As an actor it was a joy to see how both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman brought something special and unique to Peter Morgan’s scripts. I am genuinely honored to be joining such an exceptional creative team and to be taking The Crown to its conclusion.”
Staunton was rumored to be taking over the role of the most famous Royal for a few months, according to Deadline. Morgan added that he was “absolutely thrilled” that Staunton would be “taking The Crown into the 21st Century.”
“It’s a stunning example of award-winning entertainment, created in the U.K. and loved by millions of fans around the world,” Cindy Holland, the VP of Original Content at Netflix, said. “I fully support Peter Morgan’s creative decision and am excited to see how he, Imelda Staunton and the cast and crew of season five, bring this landmark series to a fitting and spectacular end.”
The Crown, produced for Netflix by the Sony-owned Brit banner Left Bank Pictures, has won several awards since airing in 2016, with a total of 26 Primetime Emmy nominations. The unexpected news comes just after the premiere of the third season last winter.