From Hogwarts to Buckingham Palace?
Renown film star Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland) is said to be nearing a deal to play Princess Margaret in The Crown, which will see her take over the role from Vanessa Kirby for seasons 3 and 4.
Netflix hasn’t released any official statement just yet, but the addition of Carter comes as part of a major recasting effort, given the show’s third season will switch gears to focus on Elizabeth II between the years of 1957 and 1964. Indeed, Helena Bonham Carter was initially linked to the part of Elizabeth, before Olivia Colman was ultimately cast as Her Royal Highness. She’ll step into the regal shoes previously worn by Emmy nominee Claire Foy, who, like Kirby, portrayed a high-ranking member of the Royal Family throughout seasons 1 and 2. Now, it’s time for new blood.
This casting scoop is made all the more exciting when you consider that The Crown season 2 raised the bar for Netflix’s regal drama. Initially released early last month, the show’s second year avoided the sophomore slump with ease, as it brought the likes of Matthew Goode (Lord Snowdon) and Dexter alum Michael C. Hall (John F. Kennedy) into the fold.
As for this huge recasting effort, Vanessa Kirby recently told The Hollywood Reporter that whoever winds up in the role of Princess Margaret will have plenty of material to chew on. We now know that part has been earmarked for none other than Helena Bonham Carter.
I’m just so excited about whoever gets to do it because they’ve definitely got the coolest stuff coming up. Bring on the drama! I would have loved to have done it. I absolutely love to do all the blazing rows and getting drunk and just all of it. But I suppose I was lucky enough to have two seasons, so I could be more grateful, really.
Season 3 of The Crown will likely begin filming before the year’s end, and we’ll be bringing you all the latest as Helena Bonham Carter’s deal is signed, sealed and delivered.