According to industry reports, the sixth and final season of Netflix’s royal drama ‘The Crown’ is expected to temporarily halt production following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Rani, who is the central figure of the show, was 96 years old.
Netflix did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
The Royal Family announced the Queen’s death on Thursday. At the time of her death, she was the oldest ruler in the world. She initially ascended the throne in 1952 and will now be succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. Following his death, Britain will enter 10 days of national mourning, which will begin on Friday and end after his funeral.
The Queen’s death comes as “The Crown” season 5 is set to premiere in November. The show follows Queen Elizabeth through her reign and the various historical events that helped shape her. As a result of the show’s decades-long scope, the main cast changes every two seasons. Imelda Staunton will step into the lead role this season while Jonathan Price will assume the role of Prince Philip. The new cast includes Dominic West as Prince Charles, Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana, Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles, and Johnny Lee Miller as Prime Minister John Major.
Season 6 recently cast two actors to play a young Prince William and one actress to play a young Kate Middleton. His appearance on the show would play a role in the discovery of Princess Diana’s death in 1997, William’s early relationship with Kate, and other events from the 1990s.
Claire Foy and Olivia Colman previously portrayed Queen Elizabeth in the first four seasons of ‘The Crown’. In total, the show has won 21 Primetime Emmys so far—including Outstanding Drama and Acting Idols for both Foy and Coleman.
