The upcoming Netflix original series The Crown chronicles the early days of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, and the streaming video service provided a sneak peek at the show this week in the form of its first trailer.
The first footage from the series introduces Wolf Hall actress Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II, as well as former Doctor Who star Matt Smith as Prince Phillip and Oscar-nominated actor John Lithgow (Interstellar, 3rd Rock From The Sun) as Sir Winston Churchill.
Much like its subject, The Crown features an impressive pedigree behind the camera, including a script from The Queen and Frost/Nixon screenwriter Peter Morgan (a two-time Academy Award nominee). Billy Elliot and The Hours director Stephen Daldry (nominated for three Academy Awards) is among those helming the series’ 10 episodes.
The official synopsis for the series reads as follows:
The Crown focuses on Queen Elizabeth II as a 25-year-old newlywed faced with the daunting prospect of leading the world’s most famous monarchy while forging a relationship with legendary Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. The British Empire is in decline, the political world is in disarray, and a young woman takes the throne … a new era is dawning. Peter Morgan’s masterfully researched scripts reveal the Queen’s private journey behind the public facade with daring frankness. Prepare to be welcomed into the coveted world of power and privilege, and behind locked doors in Westminster and Buckingham Palace … the leaders of an empire await.
Along with Foy, Smith, and Lithgow, the series’ cast includes Victoria Hamilton as the Queen Mother, Jared Harris as King George VI, Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret, and Dame Eileen Atkins as Queen Mary.
The Crown premieres November 4 on Netflix.
