The Crown: Actors vs. royalty
Updated: Nov 9, 2022
The 90s: A culturally significant decade encapsulated by the rise of technology and the glamour of certain celebrities. Lots of good happened during this time, and the goodness continues to this day, as it is the time period that the new season of The Crown will depict. Have you heard of The Crown? If not, it’s a drama surrounding the lives of the Royal Family, especially focusing on the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. This show was a hit when it premiered, and it is loved by many, including myself. This spectacular show has been nominated for 423 awards and has won 129 awards, including 21 Emmys.
Despite this new season being highly anticipated, it has faced much criticism and controversy. For starters, many have slammed the series for the timing of the new season’s release, as it’s the first following the deaths of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Phillip. Others have also criticized the series for some highly fictionalized aspects they are set to include. For example, it was revealed that this season would include a storyline in which Prince Charles tries to get Queen Elizabeth to abdicate the throne, which in reality, never really happened. Many feel as though the highly dramatized elements of the show will affect the popularity of certain Royal Family members. The events that are set to be depicted are also quite sensitive, the main one regarding the death of Princess Diana.
One thing the show is known for is its constant replacement of actors. Every two seasons, the cast has a full refresh. Why? Instead of using prosthetics and makeup, The Crown has opted for a more natural way of portraying age: A change in actors! Now, this being season 5, we have a new round of celebrities starring in The Crown. Would you like to meet them?
If you’d like to learn more about a particular actor, click on the “Where you’ve seen them before”/”Their comments on the role” subheadings, as links are embedded in most of them.
1. Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth
Where you’ve seen her before: Staunton famously played the part of Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter movies. More recently, she was in the Downton Abbey films as Maud Bagshaw.
Her comments on the role: “I knew it was a very heavy baton that was being passed over, so I had to try and match what had gone before.”
This time around, Imelda Staunton is responsible for portraying Queen Elizabeth II as this is the first season since her death. Judging from behind-the-scenes photos and the trailer, we know she’ll do great. Not to mention, she looks almost exactly like the late queen.
2. Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip
Where you’ve seen him before: Pryce is known for his role in the Netflix film The Two Popes, which earned him an Oscar nomination.
His comments on the role: “The positive experience I had making The Two Popes has given me the confidence to tackle the daunting prospect of portraying Prince Philip