The Crown has officially cast its Princess Diana, and the resemblance is uncanny

The Crown is heading into the eighties, and with it comes the arrival of Princess Diana. Netflix has confirmed that actress Emma Corrin will play the beloved (future) Princess of Wales in Season 4 of the hit series, which is set to begin filming later this year. A relative newcomer, Corrin’s casting is just the latest in exciting casting news from the series, which made headlines by replacing its entire cast—including the queen—with older actors after two seasons.
In a statement released by Netflix per The Hollywood Reporter, Corrin expressed her excitement about joining the cast.
"Beyond excited and honored to be joining The Crown for its fourth season. I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I’m now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal. Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice!"
Season 3 of The Crown—the first with its new cast—will reportedly follow the royal family through the sixties and end during the mid-seventies, with Season 4 likely depicting Charles’s engagement and wedding to Diana in 1981. As The Crown inches closer to the present, it seems highly likely Season 4 will also include Prince William and Prince Harry as babies.
And in case you missed it, for Seasons 3 and 4, Oscar winner Olivia Colman will now star as Queen Elizabeth II, while Tobias Menzies will play Prince Philip. Meanwhile, Helena Bonham Carter is set to play Princess Margaret, and Marion Bailey will take on the role of the Queen Mother. Other additions to the cast include Josh O’Connor and Erin Doherty, who will play Prince Charles and Princess Anne in Seasons 3 and 4. Emerald Fennell will play Camilla Shand (aka the future Camilla Parker Bowles), and while Netflix hasn’t yet officially confirmed the news, Gillian Anderson is rumored to be playing Margaret Thatcher.
While a release date hasn’t been announced, Season 3 of The Crown is expected to arrive sometime in 2019 on Netflix.