Did Philip philander, and other The Crown season two questions – cast members on Netflix series that starts streaming December 8
Cast of Netflix’s most expensive show, which explores the lives of the British royal family, open up about the success of the series, ahead of its return to our screens, and understanding the characters as human beings, not figureheads
When The Crown debuted on Netflix a year ago, it was nothing short of sensational. Proof that the streaming service was intent on making serious drama, the 10-episode tale of the British royal family glittered like the Crown Jewels.
Written by the Oscar-nominated Peter Morgan, who wrote Stephen Frears’ film The Queen, and with the equally lauded Stephen Daldry (The Hours) serving as executive producer and inaugural director, a lavish budget made it the most expensive Netflix show to date.
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Plaudits poured in, as well as multiple awards, including best drama at the Golden Globes. “I don’t think we ever anticipated people to connect with it so much,” says Vanessa Kirby, the British actress who plays Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s sister. “Honestly, I thought my mum would like it, that is it. We just had no idea.”
A year on, and The Crown is back for a second season. With Morgan again the creative driving force, this 10-episode follow-up covers the period from 1956 to 1964 as it plays out the royal family soap opera – notably difficulties in the marriage of Elizabeth (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip (Matt Smith) – against the backdrop of world history.
Early episodes examine Philip’s possible carousing overseas, when he was linked to various women. As Morgan put it recently, “Doesn’t everyone in Britain know he had an affair?”