Netflix is reportedly developing a prequel to its hit series The Crown, which would span from Queen Victoria's death to Queen Elizabeth II's wedding, covering the reigns of Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, and George VI. However, some fans, including this writer, express skepticism about the project's potential success.
Background on the Prequel
The Crown creator Peter Morgan has long hinted at a prequel, and now a deal reportedly worth £500 million has been finalized. A TV insider told the Daily Mail: 'Netflix has been locked in negotiations with the company for quite a long time about this spin-off series, but they've recently finally managed to seal the deal and come to an agreement.' The prequel will cover the first half of the 20th century, a period already explored in iconic shows like Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders.
Concerns About Historical Fatigue
The era includes both World Wars and the abdication of Edward VIII, which was already detailed in The Crown through flashbacks. This raises concerns about audience fatigue, as the period is well-trodden in media. In contrast, the second half of the 20th century, which the original series covered, felt more recent and daring.
Why The Crown Worked
The original series covered 1947 to 2005 across six seasons, with actors Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton portraying Queen Elizabeth II. Its cultural impact was heightened by real-life events like the Queen's death in 2022, making the show feel timely. A prequel set decades earlier may struggle to recreate that relevance.
Fan Reactions
Despite skepticism, many fans are excited. Reddit users commented: 'If this turns out to be as good as the first 2-3 seasons of The Crown, I'll watch the hell out of it,' and 'This is awesome! A lot of plot to cover and most of it will be new to a lot of people!' Others noted that the early 20th century is 'comparably talked about less.'
Peter Morgan's Vision
Morgan told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024: 'I cannot imagine any circumstances in which I'd want to go further into the present... If you go back in time, you always have that wonderful opportunity for metaphor.' The prequel is currently being written, with casting expected next year.
The Crown is available to stream on Netflix now.
