‘The Crown': Dominic West in Talks to Play Prince Charles in Seasons 5 and 6
“The Affair” alum would take over the role from Josh O’Connor
Jennifer Maas | October 20, 2020 @ 6:24 AM
Last Updated: October 20, 2020 @ 6:57 AM
Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Dominic West is in final talks with Netflix and Left Bank Pictures to play Prince Charles on Seasons 5 and 6 of “The Crown.”
According to Deadline, “The Affair” alum has not yet closed a deal, but has been lined up for the pivotal part in the British royal family drama’s final two seasons.
West would take over the role from Josh O’Connor, who played Charles on the third and upcoming fourth season of “The Crown.” He would also be starring opposite Elizabeth Debicki, who will be playing Princess Diana in Seasons 5 and 6, with Emma Corrin portraying the royal in Season 4.
Netflix declined TheWrap’s request for comment on West’s casting.
The upcoming fourth season of “The Crown,” which will premiere Nov. 15, will cover Queen Elizabeth and the British royal family during the Princess Diana era. Season 3 of “The Crown,” which launched last November, left off in 1977 at the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Seasons 5 and 6 are expected to cover the late ’90s and early ’00s.
Along with Debicki, the previously announced cast members for “The Crown’s” final two seasons include Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II (currently portrayed by Olivia Colman), Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret (presently played by Helena Bonham Carter), and Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip (a role filled by Tobias Menzies for Seasons 3 and 4).
In July, Netflix and “The Crown” creator Peter Morgan revealed the series will run for six seasons after all, following their January announcement that Season 5 would be the drama’s final year — despite Morgan having stated for years that his vision for “The Crown” had always been a six-season run.
“As we started to discuss the storylines for Series 5, it soon became clear that in order to do justice to the richness and complexity of the story we should go back to the original plan and do six seasons,” Morgan said in a statement July 9. “To be clear, Series 6 will not bring us any closer to present day – it will simply enable us to cover the same period in greater detail.”
“The Crown” will take a production hiatus before filming on Season 5 begins next June, meaning that installment won’t premiere until 2022.
West is best known to American audiences for his parts in “The Wire” and “The Affair.” He is currently in production on the BBC’s adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s classic novel “The Pursuit of Love,” starring opposite Lily James.
“The Crown” Season 4 premieres Nov. 15 on Netflix.
9 Actresses Who've Played Princess Diana - Or Soon Will (Photos)
The momentous life and tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, seems to never grow old for Hollywood. From "The Crown" to the upcoming film "Spencer," three actresses are currently lined up to play the People's Princess -- and several more have tried their hand at playing her in the past. From Kristen Stewart to Emma Corrin, here are nine ladies who have -- or will -- play Lady Di.
Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Emma Corrin - "The Crown"
Corrin has been cast as Lady Diana Spencer in Season 4 of Netflix's royal drama and has already been spotted dressed in the princess' famous pink polka dot dress and matching hat. The new season will premiere in November.
Elizabeth Debicki - "The Crown"
For Seasons 5 and 6, Debicki will step in as an older version of the People's Princess and former wife of Prince Charles before she died tragically in a 1997 car crash.
Getty
Kristen Stewart - "Spencer"
Stewart will be the next to portray Princess Diana on film in Pablo Larrain's upcoming film, which follows the princess over the weekend that she decides to split from Charles and give up her future as queen consort of England.
Getty
Naomi Watts - "Diana"
This 2013 film didn't get great reviews, but it does feature Naveen Andrews as a heart surgeon that Diana had an affair with, so it has that going for it.
Via YouTube
Julie Cox - "Princess in Love"
This 1996 film also focuses on one of Diana's affairs, this time on a tryst with her former riding instructor, James Hewitt.
via YouTube
Genevieve O'Reilly - "Diana: Last Days of a Princess"
TLC's docu-drama featured O'Reilly as Diana in dramatic reenactments paired with interviews telling the true story behind her last days. The film was timed to the 10th anniversary of her death in 2007.
TLC
Amy Seccombe - "Diana: A Tribute to the People’s Princess "
This 1998 TV movie tells the story of the princess' last year of life, from her romantic relationships to her battle with the press.
via YouTube
Lesley Harcourt - "William & Catherine: A Royal Romance"
Harcourt played Diana in this 2011 Hallmark Channel movie about Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Hallmark
Serena Scott Thomas - "Diana: Her True Story"
This 1993 NBC and Sky One TV movie is based on the book by the same name by Andrew Morton.
via YouTube
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From Netflix’s “The Crown” to the upcoming “Spencer” movie starring Kristen Stewart
The momentous life and tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, seems to never grow old for Hollywood. From "The Crown" to the upcoming film "Spencer," three actresses are currently lined up to play the People's Princess -- and several more have tried their hand at playing her in the past. From Kristen Stewart to Emma Corrin, here are nine ladies who have -- or will -- play Lady Di.