Despite being increasingly slammed by members of the real-life House of Windsor in more recent seasons, Netflix’s streaming series “The Crown” about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom remains a rating and critical darling, a top choice for Netflix binge-watchers wanting heavy content. Its fourth season, which debuted November last year, introduced Lady Diana Spencer, the future Princess Diana, into the narrative, chronicling her troubled marriage to Prince Charles. The fifth season is due next year, but it seems Diana’s actress Emma Corrin will only play the part in S4, with her (and Charles actor Josh O’Connor) being replaced in S5.

The Hollywood Reporter tells us that Sony Pictures Television and Netflix’s “The Crown” revealed a first look at the new cast members to portray older versions of Prince Charles and Princess Diana for its fifth season. As season 4 was set primarily in the 1980s, season 5 will cover the reign of Elizabeth II in the following decade, wherein Princess Diana’s involvement with the British Royal Family will reach a momentous and tragic climax. To help carry that story development across are new Prince Charles actor Dominic West and new Princess Diana actress Elizabeth Debicki.

West has been in a variety of roles, such as supporting characters in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” “Chicago,” “300” and the upcoming “Downton Abbey 2.” Debicki meanwhile might be remembered recently by MCU fans as Ayesha from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” Her casting was confirmed in August last year, while West was confirmed only this April.

The Australian actress has issued a statement about her casting as Diana, praising the late Princess of Wales’ words and actions and looking forward to ably depicting them as she takes on the role in “The Crown.” “It is my true privilege and honor to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one,” says Debicki.

When originally conceptualized by creator and show-runner Peter Morgan, “The Crown” was supposed to run for six seasons, only for Netflix to agree for just five. Morgan did manage to prevail on the streaming giant to green-light season 6 as the finale, which actually is expected to cover up until the 2000s. “The Crown” season 5 is expected to premiere on Netflix sometime in 2022.

Image courtesy of Variety