Season 3 has yet to premiere and already Netflix has addedGillian AndersontoThe Crown’s season 4 cast. The upcoming third season will feature an all-new cast as the fictional Queen Elizabeth II and her family grows older and years go by. As such, Oscar-winnerOlivia Colmanwill take over forClaire Foyas Elizabeth;Tobias Menzieswill play Prince Philip, a role originated byMatt Smith;Helena Bonham Cartersteps in forVanessa Kirbyas Princess Margaret; finally,Ben Danielswill play Margaret’s husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, first played byMatthew Goode.
According toDeadline, Anderson will play former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Anderson’s casting gives us a good hint as the time period for season 4 as her time in office ran from 1979 to 1990, making her not just the first female Prime Minister but also the longest-serving PM in the 20th century. Anderson’s attachment toThe Crownseason 4 has been rumored for some time but was made official viathe series' Twitter accounton Saturday.
Included in that official Twitter announcement was a statement from Anderson about her casting as Thatcher.
“I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew ofThe Crownand to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated and controversial woman. Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era.”
Thatcher was the leader of the Conservative Party in the UK from 1975 to 1990. Her policies and role in the course of the nation she oversaw in the 20th century make her one of the most recognizable PMs next to Winston Churchill. Anderson is one of many actors who have portrayed Thatcher in film and TV, with memorable performances includingMeryl Streep’s in 2011’sThe Iron LadyandAndreaRiseborough’s in the 2008 UK TV movieMargaret Thatcher: The Long Walk to Finchley.
The Crownseason 3 will begin in 1964 and end in 1977, covering The Beatles and their rapid rise to stardom as well as England’s win at the 1966 World Cup. Additionally,Emerald Fennell(Killing Eve) will be introduced this season as the fictional Camilla Parker-Bowles (née Shand) and the adult Prince Charles will be portrayed byJosh O’Connor(Florence Foster Jenkins).The Crownseason 3 arrives on Netflix on Sunday, November 17.
