The Crown casts Olivia Colman to succeed Claire Foy

WHEN season two of The Crown launches in December, it will be the last time we see Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II.

WE ALWAYS knew the luminous Claire Foy couldn’t play Queen Elizabeth II forever, or for more than a couple of years.

Foy was contracted to portray the monarch for The Crown’s first two seasons and as the series moves on to later stages of Elizabeth’s life, it would have been a bit silly to just have her fanning around in ageing make-up and prosthetics.

According to reports, Foy has been replaced by British actor Olivia Colman for seasons three and four. At 43 years old, Colman is 10 years older than Foy.

While the series hasn’t officially been renewed for its third and fourth years, the original plan for The Crown was for it to run for six seasons with each year to run in a different decade of the Queen’s long tenure.

Before it’s done, the role will likely be recast again with an older actor.

Colman is best known to international audiences for her leading role in crime series Broadchurch alongside David Tennant. She was also recently in the acclaimed film The Lobster, miniseries The Night Manager and comedy series Fleabag.

Colman can also be seen in the Kenneth Branagh remake Murder on the Orient Express, out next month.

Colman is best known for her work in Broadchurch.

It’s not yet known who will replace Matt Smith as the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Crown charts the rise and reign of Queen Elizabeth II and has been well received by audiences and critics for its lavish production and compelling performances.

Foy has won praise for her measured portrayal as the Queen, picking up Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild and an Emmy nomination.

She spoke to The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year about leaving the series: “I’m quite philosophical about these things. It’ll go on and have another life. I can’t wait to watch it, and I just think whoever they get to play that part, they’ll be extraordinary. I will never watch it with any sense of bitterness or regret.”

Foy’s upcoming movie Breathe will be released later this year and has also filmed a horror movie, Unsane, with Steven Soderbergh.

The Crown season two will be released on Netflix on Friday, December 8.

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The Crown season two is Claire Foy’s last turn in the role.