Netflix’s The Crown will end after five series, creator and writer Peter Morgan has revealed, with Imelda Staunton confirmed to play Queen Elizabeth in the final series.
Morgan had originally planned for six series of the much-loved drama, but has decided that the fifth series “is the perfect time and place to stop”.
Morgan thanked Netflix and Sony for supporting his decision and described Staunton as an “astonishing talent” and a “fantastic successor”.
Staunton will be the final actor to play the Queen after predecessors Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, taking the series into the 21st Century.
The Crown first aired in 2016 and with its big budget production spend, was hailed as a game-changing drama for Netflix.
Imelda Staunton commented: "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 honoured to be joining such an exceptional creative team and to be taking The Crown to its conclusion."
The fourth series, which is currently in production, will introduce Diana, Princess of Wales, played by Emma Corrin and Margaret Thatcher, played by Gillian Anderson.
Imelda Staunton will play Queen Elizabeth II in the fifth and final season of The Crown. pic.twitter.com/hUOob58A9p
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) January 31, 2020
