Let’s take a closer look at the new cast of The crown and where you’ve seen them before:
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II
We will see the Queen face her period of strongest reviews in season 5 of The crown, covering events such as her response to Princess Diana’s death and the multiple scandals of 1992, or her “annus horribilis” as she famously described it. Previously played by Claire Foy and Olivia ColmanImelda Staunton will play the queen in series five and six.
A veteran of stage and screen, Staunton is best known for playing Harry Potter the villainous Dolores Umbridge, as well as her Oscar-nominated lead role in Vera Drakeas well as BAFTA nominated appearances in Back to Cranford and the girl. For Doctor Who fans, she played the voice of Interface in the 2011 episode “The Girl Who Waited”, in the Matt Smith era.
Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip
Showing no signs of slowing down in his later years, in series five we’ll see Prince Philip develop a close friendship with Penelope Knatchbull, aka Lady Romsey, his godson’s wife.
Passing the reins to Tobias Menzies, who in turn took over from Matt Smith at the start of Series 3, Jonathan Pryce is another household name best loved for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean, tomorrow never dies and his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Pope Francis in The two popes. He also played The master in a 1999 Doctor Who short for Comic Relief.
Jonny Lee Miller as John Major
One of the most controversial plots of The crown season five sees a fictional encounter between Prince (now King) Charles and then Prime Minister John Major plotting for the Queen to abdicate. The man himself once described it as a “barrel of nonsense”.