Paul Bettany ‘out of the running’ to play Prince Philip in The Crown

The hunt for a replacement for Matt Smith continues 
No talks: Bettany reportedly withdrew from talks
Getty Images
Safeeyah Kazi26 January 2018

Paul Bettany is reportedly out of the running to play Prince Philip in the new series of The Crown.

The J.A.R.V.I.S actor was believed to be in talks with Netflix about stepping into former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith’s shoes for series three.

But according to new reports, talks fell flat as the 46-year-old actor is already committed to the latest Marvel instalment, Avengers: Infinity War.

The show’s creator, Peter Morgan, has previously emphasised that the casting changes were pre-planned and designed to show the characters as they aged.

Royalty: Matt Smith previously played Prince Phillip (Netflix)

Season three is set to see the introduction of Princess Diana and Camilla Parker Bowles.

Speaking about the new characters, producer Suzanne Mackie said: “You start meeting Camilla Parker Bowles in season three.

“We have to be honest, season three and four are being mapped out and the closer the history comes.

“I now can say, 'God, I know exactly what I was feeling when that happened, I remember that and I remember this.' That's so exciting!"

The Crown cast and their real-life counterparts - In pictures

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Olivia Colman has already been confirmed to play Queen Elizabeth II, while Helen Bonham Carter is reportedly set to replace Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret.

Yet to be cast is the Queen Mother and Antony Armstrong-Jones, Princess Margaret’s husband.

The Sunday Times reported that Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher are set to be the focus of the fourth season whilst season three will focused on Prime Minister Howard Wilson.

Content chief Ted Sarandos has stated the plan is for the show to run a total of six seasons, reaching up to the present day.

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