Matt Sprake / SplashNews.com, Jean GUICHARD/Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImageShe's been a skeptical FBI agent dealing with the supernatural. She's been a sex therapist. She's been a detective on the hunt for a serial killer. She's been a new god. Now, Gillian Anderson has another high-profile TV role to add to her extensive resume: prime minister in The Crown.
Anderson is taking on the role of Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom and the first woman to hold the office, in The Crown season four.
"I'm 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," Anderson said in a Twitter statement on the show's official account. "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."
While season three has yet to debut—it drops Sunday, Nov. 17—Netflix is already in production on the fourth season that will feature the same main cast of season three.
For the third and fourth season, Oscar winner Olivia Colman steps into the role of Queen Elizabeth II. Claire Foy, who starred in the first two seasons, won an Emmy for her portrayal of the monarch in the show's second year. The season three cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret, Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles, Erin Doherty as Princess Anne, Ben Daniels as Lord Snowdon, Jason Watkins as Prime Minister Harold Wilson and Charles Dance as Lord Mountbatten.
In addition to Margaret Thatcher, season four will also introduce Diana Spencer, the woman who would become known to the world as Princess Diana.
Meet the new cast below.
Actress Gillian Anderson will play the Iron Lady on The Crown, starting in season four, Netflix announced on Sept. 7, 2019.
Newcomer Emma Corrin is taking on the role of a young Princess Diana (then known as Lady Diana Spencer) in season four of The Crown.
"I have been glued to the show and to think I'm now joining this incredibly talented acting family is surreal," Corrin said in a statement released by Netflix. "Princess Diana was an icon and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To explore her through Peter Morgan's writing is the most exceptional opportunity and I will strive to do her justice!"
Marion Bailey will take over the role of the Queen Mother from Victoria Hamilton, starting in season three, which premieres on Nov. 17, 2019.
"Wonderful to be joining The Crown. It's a brilliant show and we have tough act to follow but what a gift to be playing the fascinating and greatly loved Queen Mother. Thrilled to be on board and working with such a top notch team," Bailey said in a statement.
Viewers saw a young Prince Charles in The Crown season two, but that changes with a time jump. Josh O'Connor will take over the role starting in season three.
"I am thrilled to be joining the firm for the next installment of The Crown. Seasons three and four will follow some of the most turbulent events in the Prince of Wales's life and our national story and I'm excited to be bringing to life the man in the midst of it all. I'm very aware it's a formidably talented family to be joining, but reliably informed I have the ears for the part and will fit right in," he said in a statement.
His other credits include Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street and Florence Foster Jenkins.
There's a new prime minister when The Crown jumps ahead some years for season three. Jason Watkins is playing Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
"I am delighted to become part of this exceptional show. Harold Wilson is a significant and fascinating character in our history. So looking forward to bringing him to life, through a decade that transformed us culturally and politically. And excited to be working so closely with Olivia and the whole team," he in a statement.
Watkins' other credits include Taboo, A Very English Scandal and Being Human.
Doctor Who star Matt Smith played Prince Philip in the first two seasons of The Crown. Outlander's Tobias Menzies is taking over the role for the upcoming third season.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the new cast of The Crown and to be working with Olivia Colman again. I look forward to becoming her 'liege man of life and limb,'" he said in a statement.
In addition to Outlander, Menzies' credits include The Night Manager opposite Colman, Game of Thrones, Catastrophe and the British Getting On.
Call the Midwife veteran Erin Doherty is playing Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
In addition to Call the Midwife, Doherty is in the Les Misérables miniseries.
Vanessa Kirby played Princess Margaret in the first two seasons of the royal drama. Helena Bonham Carter met with Kirby before her participation was confirmed.
"I'm not sure which I'm more terrified about—doing justice to the real Princess Margaret or following in the shoes of Vanessa Kirby," Bonham Carter said in a statement. "The only thing I can guarantee is that I'll be shorter than Vanessa."
Bonham Carter's credits include the Harry Potter film series, Ocean's Eight and The King's Speech.
Matthew Goode played the character of Antony Armstrong-Jones, Lord Snowdon, in the second season. Ben Daniels of Jesus Christ Superstar Live, House of Cards and The Exorcist fame, will play the part in season three.
"After being glued to the first two seasons of The Crown I am beyond thrilled to be joining the cast of this incredible piece of television," Daniels said in a statement. "Snowdon was such a dynamic and complex man, I'm really looking forward to playing him."
Claire Foy is handing over the crown to Olivia Colman for the third season.
"I'm so thrilled to be part of The Crown, I was utterly gripped watching it, a proper ‘Just one more' feeling," Colman said in a statement. "I think Claire Foy is an absolute genius, she's an incredibly hard act to follow, I'm basically going to rewatch every episode and copy her!"
Colman won a Golden Globe for The Night Manager and has appeared in numerous other projects including Peep Show, Fleabag and Murder on the Orient Express.
Emerald Fennell will play the future Duchess of Cornwall in the upcoming season.
"I'm absolutely over the moon, and completely terrified, to be joining so many hugely talented people on The Crown," Fennell said in a statement. "I absolutely love Camilla, and am very grateful that my teenage years have well prepared me for playing a chain-smoking serial snogger with a pudding bowl haircut."
The Crown season three premieres Sunday, Nov. 17 on Netflix.