The Crown is signing off after six seasons later this year, but Netflix may not be done with the royal drama’s universe.
In a new interview with Variety, series creator Peter Morgan has revealed there is a chance we could get a prequel series.
“I do have an idea,” Morgan told the outlet.
“But first, I need to do some other things.
“Second, it would need a unique set of circumstances to come together.”
Morgan is staying tight-lipped about the plot but believes it would take us back in time to before The Crown’s Elizabeth II storyline.
“If I were to go back into The Crown,” he shares, “it would definitely be to go back in time.”
Related: Wednesday Season 2: Everything We Know
Keeping that universe alive would be something Netflix would be interested in.
The series has continually generated buzz and remained in the headlines throughout its six-season run.
It’s the kind of story with an audience, whether everyone likes it or not.
Netflix’s Ted Sarandos isn’t ruling out future stories in The Crown universe, telling Variety he has faith in Morgan.
“If he believes there are stories to be told there, we definitely would explore it.”
The Crown premiered on Netflix in 2016 and famously recast the series’ pivotal roles every two seasons.
Claire Foy started as Queen Elizabeth II, followed by Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton.
Netflix broke the news earlier this month that the first four episodes will stream on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
Related: The Last of Us Season 2: Everything We Know
The final six episodes of The Crown Season 6 will follow on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
Part 1 will see Elizabeth Debicki reprise her role as Princess Diana alongside Dominic West as Prince Charles.
Staunton continues her reign as Queen Elizabeth II alongside Jonathan Pryce (Prince Philip) and Lesley Manville (Princess Margaret).
Also returning are Salim Daw (Mohamed Al Fayed) and Khalid Abdalla (Dodi Fayed).
Making their debuts are Rufus Kampa (Prince William), and Fflyn Edwards (Prince Harry). The final season covers events from 1997 through 2005.
Part I depicts a relationship blossoming between Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed before a fateful car journey has devastating consequences.
As for Part II, Prince William tries to integrate back into life at Eton in the wake of his mother’s death as the monarchy has to ride the wave of public opinion.
As she reaches her Golden Jubilee, the Queen reflects on the future of the monarchy with the marriage of Charles and Camilla and the beginnings of a new Royal fairytale in William and Kate.
For Part 2, taking on the roles of Prince William and Prince Harry will be Ed McVey and Luther Ford.
Related: Stranger Things Season 5: Everything We Know
Joining them will be Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton.
Bringing the series to a close will be a challenging task because paying tribute to everything that came before won’t be easy.
There’s also the fact that we know what happened in the years following 2005.
Will there be a surprise flash-forward, or will the series end without any semblance of closure?
There are so many possibilities here, and how it’s handled will determine whether fans will be interested in future series in the franchise.
Staunton reflected on her time with the show in a recent statement.
“I’ve been living with her for a long time so, if anything, I felt more comfortable this time,” she said.
“I love her stillness and her ability to not be thrown by everything that must have constantly — throughout her whole life — gone on around her.”
What are your thoughts on a potential prequel?
Are you interested?
Hit the comments below.
Paul Dailly is the Associate Editor for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.