'The Crown' Is Maybe Getting a Prequel

The universe of Netflix's The Crown may not be ending with season six. Variety reports that producer Left Bank Pictures and Netflix are in discussions over a prequel to the wildly popular British royal drama. To be clear, the prequel is not yet greenlit or in development— but discussions are ongoing.

"I do have an idea," Crown creator Peter Morgan told Variety in October 2023. "But first, I need to do some other things. Second, it would need a unique set of circumstances to come together." The idea, he confirms, predates Queen Elizabeth II. "If I were to go back into The Crown, it would definitely be to go back in time."

Here's what we know so far about a rumored Crown prequel.

The prequel would start in 1901.

Reportedly, the prequel to The Crown would begin with the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, and end when The Crown begins in season one: the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II in 1947.

Unlike The Crown, which largely follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth, this prequel would span the reign of four kings: Edward VII (1901-1910), George V (1910-1936), Edward VIII (1936), and George VI (1936-1952). Several of these monarchs have already appeared in The Crown: Jared Harris portrayed King George VI in season one, and Alex Jennings portrayed King Edward VIII in seasons one and two and Derek Jacobi portrayed him in season three, and Richard Dillane plays King George V.

Much happened in these decades, including the establishment of the House of Windsor (replacing the name of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha family) in 1917 following World War I and Edward VIII's abdication to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson in 1936.

The Crown creator Peter Morgan would likely return.

Variety reports that there is speculation Peter Morgan would write the prequel, which could run anywhere between three and five seasons. Morgan, the creator and writer of The Crown, has previously said that season six will be the last season of the series.

Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos is in support of a prequel, saying, "I have absolute faith in Peter. And if he believes there are stories to be told there, we definitely would explore it."

Town & Country will update this story as soon as we learn more.

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