The First Look at Imelda Staunton in 'The Crown' Is Royally Good

Though the schedules for Netflix's fall and winter shows have not yet arrived, viewers are already aware of which major series are expected to debut later this year. One title that won't be among them: The Crown. One of Netflix's oldest series still airing, the show is deliberately sitting 2021 out as it works its way through recasting the show nose-to-tail for the final two seasons of its run and then filming those seasons back-to-back.

This fictionalized retelling of the history of the current Windsor rule, starting with Elizabeth II's ascent to the throne and ending with the year 2000, has not been without controversy. However, with both critical and audience acclaim, it looks like this enormous undertaking will be heralded success.

With Season 4 one of Netflix's big draws of 2020, the series is looking forward to hitting those high notes again with the final seasons. The bulk of the cast has been set, and filming has begun in London, with Imelda Staunton (Downton Abbey) in the leading role of Queen Elizabeth II. Netflix recently released the first image of her in costume, and, much like both Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, who played the role before her, it's perfect.