The Royal Resurgence: Where Are The Original Cast Of The Crown Season 1 Now In 2025?
The debut season of Netflix's *The Crown* in 2016 was a seismic cultural event, launching the careers of its core cast into the stratosphere and redefining the historical drama genre. The original ensemble, tasked with portraying the early, tumultuous years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, delivered performances so compelling they set a golden standard for the entire six-season series.
As of late 2025, years after they passed the royal baton to the next generation of actors, the original cast members—the ones who first brought the young monarchs to life—are more in demand than ever. From blockbuster superhero franchises to prestigious West End awards and critically acclaimed independent films, here is a detailed look at the impressive careers and latest projects of the original stars of *The Crown* Season 1.
The Original Royals: Full Biography and Latest Career Updates (2024-2026)
The first two seasons of *The Crown* covered the period from Queen Elizabeth II's wedding in 1947 to the birth of Prince Edward in 1964. The principal cast from this era has since become a powerhouse of global talent.
- Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth II): The actress who won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her nuanced portrayal of the young Queen.
- Matt Smith (Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh): The former *Doctor Who* star who captured the restless energy and frustration of the consort.
- Vanessa Kirby (Princess Margaret): The breakout star whose portrayal of the rebellious younger sister garnered immense critical praise.
- John Lithgow (Winston Churchill): The veteran American actor who won an Emmy for his masterful performance as the aging Prime Minister.
- Jared Harris (King George VI): The actor who portrayed the Queen's father, whose death serves as the central trigger for the series.
- Victoria Hamilton (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother): Played the steadfast and often politically savvy matriarch.
- Jeremy Northam (Anthony Eden): Portrayed the Foreign Secretary who succeeded Churchill as Prime Minister.
- Ben Miles (Group Captain Peter Townsend): Played the equerry whose forbidden romance with Princess Margaret was a central plotline.
- Greg Wise (Lord Louis Mountbatten): Portrayed Prince Philip's influential uncle.
Claire Foy: The Queen of Prestige Projects
Claire Foy’s turn as Queen Elizabeth II was a career-defining performance that cemented her status as one of Britain's most respected actresses. Since leaving the role, she has deliberately chosen a diverse array of challenging projects.
Her recent filmography includes the critically acclaimed drama *Women Talking* (2022) and the emotional fantasy film *All of Us Strangers* (2023). Looking ahead, Foy is set to star in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the memoir *H Is for Hawk* (2025), where she will play author Helen Macdonald, a project that is currently generating significant buzz in the industry. She continues to select roles that showcase her dramatic range, proving her versatility far beyond the crown.
Matt Smith: From Royal Consort to Dragon Rider
Matt Smith, who captured the early frustrations of Prince Philip, has seen his career explode into major franchises. While he has starred in films like *Morbius* (2022) and the psychological horror *Last Night in Soho*, his most high-profile role is undoubtedly playing Daemon Targaryen in HBO’s massive hit series, *House of the Dragon*.
In 2024, he starred in the chilling folk-horror film *Starve Acre*. Fans can look forward to his upcoming projects in 2025, including the limited series *The Death of Bunny Munro* for Sky Atlantic and the crime thriller film *Caught Stealing*. Smith's career trajectory highlights his successful transition from period drama to genre-defining television and film.
Vanessa Kirby: The Marvel and Mission: Impossible Star
Vanessa Kirby's captivating portrayal of the fiery Princess Margaret propelled her onto the global stage. She is arguably the biggest blockbuster star to emerge from the original cast, securing roles in two of the largest film franchises in the world.
Kirby continues to play the enigmatic White Widow, Alanna Mitsopolis, in the *Mission: Impossible* franchise, with the final installment, *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning*, set for release in 2025. Most notably, she has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman in the upcoming *Fantastic Four: The First Steps* (2025), a role that will likely extend into other major films like *Avengers: Doomsday* (2026). She also starred in Ron Howard's 2024 thriller, *Eden*.
The Supporting Pillars: Where Are They Now?
The strength of *The Crown* Season 1 lay in its stellar supporting cast, many of whom have continued to achieve significant success in theatre and television.
John Lithgow (Winston Churchill)
The American acting legend, who brought gravitas to the role of Churchill, remains active on stage and screen. In a major recent update, John Lithgow won the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in 2025 for his performance as Roald Dahl in the play *Giant* on the West End. This achievement highlights his continued dominance in the world of theatrical performance.
Jared Harris (King George VI)
Known for his compelling, often tragic, performances, Jared Harris continues his successful run in prestige television. He stars as Hari Seldon in the epic Apple TV+ science fiction series *Foundation*, which is currently ongoing. His upcoming slate includes the highly anticipated action-comedy sequel *Violent Night 2* (2026), showcasing his range from serious drama to genre fare.
Ben Miles (Group Captain Peter Townsend)
Ben Miles, whose character Peter Townsend was at the center of the royal romance controversy, has maintained a steady career in British film and theatre. He is set to appear in the film *Words of War*, which is scheduled for a May 2, 2025 release, a powerful thriller about journalist Anna Politkovskaya.
Victoria Hamilton (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother)
Victoria Hamilton, who portrayed the Queen Mother's transition into widowhood, remains a fixture in high-quality British television. She was recently confirmed to be leading the all-new cast for the third season of a major returning British series, following her acclaimed role in the crime drama *Unforgotten*.
Jeremy Northam (Anthony Eden)
Jeremy Northam, who played the troubled Prime Minister Anthony Eden, continues his work in period dramas and historical films. His most recent notable film appearance was in the 2024 film *Freud's Last Session*, a philosophical drama starring Anthony Hopkins.
Greg Wise (Lord Louis Mountbatten)
Greg Wise, who played the influential Lord Mountbatten, has been active both on screen and in public life. In 2024, he was featured in news related to his advocacy and public speaking on grief and end-of-life care, inspired by his personal experiences. He also continues to collaborate with his wife, actress Emma Thompson, on various projects.
The Enduring Legacy of The Crown Season 1: Behind-the-Scenes Facts
The first season of *The Crown* not only set the tone for the show's lavish production but also sparked several discussions that continue to resonate today, adding to its topical authority.
The Pay Gap Controversy
One of the most famous behind-the-scenes facts from Season 1 was the revelation of a significant gender pay gap. Despite her starring role as the central character, Claire Foy was paid less than her co-star, Matt Smith. This controversy became a major talking point in the industry, forcing producers to address the disparity for future seasons and highlighting the ongoing issue of equal pay in Hollywood.
Historical Accuracy and Royal Life
The production team invested heavily in historical accuracy, with lavish sets and meticulously recreated costumes. However, the show took dramatic license, particularly in the private conversations between the Royal Family members. The Queen's beloved corgis were a frequent sight, and trainers often used hot dogs to get the dogs to cooperate during filming, a charming detail that illustrates the challenges of filming with animal co-stars.
The initial season's success was due to its focus on the human drama behind the palace walls, exploring themes of duty, love, and sacrifice. The original cast of *The Crown* Season 1 laid the groundwork for the entire series, and their continued success across major films, television, and theatre in 2025 is a testament to the talent that first brought the modern Royal Family saga to life.
From Vanessa Kirby’s leap into the MCU to Matt Smith’s star turn in a major fantasy epic, the actors who first wore the crown have proven that their reign in Hollywood is far from over.
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