Times are getting on and the royal family is getting older, even in the universe of The Crown. Claire Foy, Matt Smith and Vanessa Kirby finished their tenures as Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Princess Margaret, respectively, with the end of Season 2, allowing Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies and Helena Bonham Carter to take over the characters in their middle age for Seasons 3 and 4.
Entertainment Weekly released exclusive photos of the new cast on Friday, and we have to say that Colman is giving Foy a run for her money in copying Elizabeth’s signature pinched expression. Meanwhile, Menzies stands next to her looking surprisingly natural as a blonde. This is another period piece that suits the British actor very well.
Discover your new favorite show: Watch This Now!
Of course, leave it to Carter to have the most fun. The photo of her features Princess Margaret beaming as she dances with her husband Antony Armstrong-Jones (Ben Daniels), who was played by Matthew Goode in Season 2. Things won’t be all fun and games for those two in the upcoming season, though, as Season 3 will explore the deterioration of their marriage. Margaret cannot catch a break to save her life.
The Crown Season 3 premieres next year on Netflix.