This November, Netflix is releasingThe Crown, a ten-episode original series exploring the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, complete with all of the trials and struggles that came for the young royal in that time period.Wolf HallactressClaire Foyleads an all-star cast in the title role of Queen Elizabeth II; the rest of the cast includesDoctor Who’sMatt Smithas Prince Philip Mountbatten. The series drops on the service November 4th in all regions where Netflix is available, and now the streaming service has offered a deeper look at what’s in store.
Following the death of her father, the 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth II has a massive responsibility thrust upon her at a time when she’s still dealing with his passing. Becoming Queen, her whole life would change. She is faced with the daunting prospect of leading the world’s most famous monarchy forging a relationship with legendary Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. It is a time that the British Empire is in decline and the political world is in disarray… but a new era is dawning as the series explores what happened behind locked doors in a coveted world of power and privilege.The Crownexplores the perspective of Queen Elizabeth II during her early reign, revealing the personal intrigues, romances, and political rivalries behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th Century.
Netflix has released their own peek into the series, which they describe as “a dramatic look into the private lives of the infamous royal family.” The featurette, titled “The Weight of the Crown,” features the cast, producers, and creators discussing what it was like to bring the Queen Elizabeth II story to life.
In promotional materials for the series, Netflix describesPeter Morgan’s scripts as “masterfully researched” as they reveal the Queen’s private journey behind the public facade with daring frankness. Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon) is reunited with directorStephen Daldry(Billy Elliot, The Hours) and producerAndy Harries(The Queen) for this project.
The Crownis based on an award-winning play calledThe Audience. In addition to Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II and Matt Smith as Prince Philip, the series starsJohn Lithgowas Sir Winston Churchill,Victoria Hamiltonas the Queen Mother,Jared Harrisas King George VI,Vanessa Kirbyas Princess Margaret andDame Eileen Atkinsas Queen Mary.
