Imelda Staunton Spotted Filming as Queen Elizabeth on 'The Crown' Set
The Queen has arrived. Netflix just released a photo of The Crown's new Queen Elizabeth II, Imelda Staunton. As season 5 approaches, this is viewers' first time seeing Staunton as the Queen, a role she is taking over from Olivia Colman. Though new episodes likely will not premiere until 2022, this new image should tide Crown fans over if just for a brief moment.
In the episode still, Staunton looks reserved, pursing her lips while wearing a yellow blouse and pearls. Netflix shared the image on Twitter, writing, "An early glimpse of our new Queen Elizabeth II, Imelda Staunton."
On August 2, The Crown fans caught another glimpse of Staunton in character. The actress was photographed in costume as Queen Elizabeth, while filming in Macduff, Scotland. Staunton was spotted sitting on a boat made to look like a royal yacht tender, wearing a green and blue printed outfit.
Staunton's role as Queen Elizabeth comes alongside a recast of the show, which the series has done every two seasons, reflecting the aging characters. So far, we know that in season 5, Princess Margaret will be played by Leslie Manville; Prince Philip will be played by Jonathan Pryce; and Elizabeth Debicki will play Princess Diana.
Staunton, who is best known for her roles in Harry Potter and the Downton Abbey movie, is looking forward to taking the baton from Colman and the original Queen Elizabeth, Claire Foy.
“I have loved watching The Crown from the very start," Staunton told the Hollywood Reporter.
"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 honored to be joining such an exceptional creative team and to be taking The Crown to its conclusion."
On BBC radio's Woman's Hour, Staunton also admitted that she will have an "extra challenge" playing the British monarch. "I think my sort of extra challenge, as if I needed it, is that I’m now doing the Queen that we’re a little more familiar with," she said, per People. "With Claire Foy, it was almost history and now I’m playing one that people could say 'she doesn’t do that,' 'she’s not like that,' and that’s my personal bête noire."
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