It will feature the same cast as Season 3
After biding farewell to Claire Foy, Vanessa Kirby and Matt Smith at the end of season 2, we're nowhere near ready for another upheavel.
Thankfully, we will still have Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter, and Ben Daniels as the four main characters - Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, and Anthony Armstrong-Jones - for season 4.
Princess Diana's storyline will be included
Princess Diana will be played by British actress Emma Corrin.
"Beyond excited and honoured to be joining The Crown for its fourth season," Corrin said in a statement released by Netflix.
"I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I'm now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal. Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice!”
Gillian Anderson will play Margaret Thatcher
Anderson confirmed her role in season 4 via the official The Crown Twitter account, writing in a statement, "I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew of The Crown and to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated and controversial woman." "
Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era."
Prince Charles will play a major role in season 4
Josh O'Connor, who joined as the role of Prince Charles in season 3, has hinted at the Prince of Wales being a key storyline going forwards.
"I think this [season], you're right, it's very much the Diana and Charles years, and particularly focusing on what happened there and the ramifications of that going forward," he told Vulture.
The Crown will come to an end after season 5
Despite originally planning to deliver six seasons, show creator Peter Morgan surprised fans by deciding to call it quits after season 5.
"At the outset I had imagined The Crown running for six seasons but now that we have begun work on the stories for season 5 it has become clear to me that this is the perfect time and place to stop," he told The Guardian.
"I'm grateful to Netflix and Sony for supporting me in this decision."
Season 4 will likely premiere in 2020
Season 1 aired in 2016, Season 2 in 2017 and season 3 in mid-2019 after a delay. This means the fourth season will likely hit Netflix toward the end of 2020 in November or December.
