Kenneth Glad
The beloved period drama may be moving toward another chapter. The reported project would revisit an earlier era of public duty, private strain and national change.
Netflix is reportedly exploring a new project connected to The Crown, with the story set between Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 and Princess Elizabeth’s wedding in 1947.
According to the Daily Mail, creator Peter Morgan is expected to return. He has previously explained that he prefers distance from recent events before turning them into drama.
He said: “I sort of have in my head a 20-year rule. That is enough time and enough distance to really understand something, to understand its role, to understand its position, to understand its relevance.”
Netflix has not publicly confirmed the project, writes the Daily Express.
Historian’s concern
The planned storyline would move the series into some of the monarchy’s most politically sensitive decades, covering events such as Edward VIII’s abdication, the Second World War and the rise of George VI.
That prospect has revived an old objection from historian and royal author Hugo Vickers, who has repeatedly criticised The Crown for presenting invented scenes around real royal figures.
Speaking to the Daily Express, Vickers said: “It is depressing that The Crown may be returning to haunt our screens. I doubt the Royal Family will be concerned, however. They are aware of what the Crown makers are likely to be up to.”
He has previously argued that audiences can struggle to separate historical fact from fictional interpretation when the series portrays real members of the Royal Family.
His wider criticism is that The Crown’s polished performances and visual style can make imagined scenes appear as if historically accurate.
He has also objected to how several figures were presented, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.
That dispute has followed the programme since its original run, when praise for its acting and production design often sat alongside arguments over accuracy.
Negotiations reported
A source quoted by the Daily Express said: “Netflix has been locked in negotiations with the company for quite a long time about this spin-off series, but they’ve recently finally managed to seal the deal and come to an agreement.”
The newspaper reports that writing has already begun and casting may take place next year.
The Crown ran for six seasons from 2016 to 2023, beginning with Elizabeth and Philip’s wedding and ending around Charles’s marriage to Camilla.
Across its run, Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton played Queen Elizabeth II at different stages of her life.
The series also featured Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies and Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, while Josh O’Connor and Dominic West portrayed Prince Charles.
Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki appeared as Diana, and the final season included Ed McVey and Meg Bellamy as Prince William and Princess Catherine.
Sources: Daily Express, Daily Mail.
