Casting News: Jonathan Pryce to Play Prince Philip in Final Two Seasons of 'The Crown'

The Crown has found its third and final Prince Philip: Oscar-nominated Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce.

The news comes from Deadline, which reports that Pryce will play Queen Elizabeth II's consort in the show's final two seasons.

Pryce succeeds Doctor Who favorite Matt Smith and Game of Thrones alum Tobias Menzies in the role, which is essentially The Crown's male lead. Pryce, 73, received an Oscar nomination earlier this year for his performance in The Two Popes and is also known for his roles in the movie version of Evita, Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, and Game of Thrones, in which he played the High Sparrow.

He becomes the third cast member locked in for seasons five and six following Imelda Staunton, who has been cast as Queen Elizabeth II, and Lesley Manville, who will play her late sister Princess Margaret.

It's recently been confirmed that season five of The Crown won't debut until 2022. In the meantime, we still have season four with Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tobias Menzies to look forward to.

Creator Peter Morgan originally conceived The Crown as a six-season show, before deciding it would finish after season five, and then changing his mind again and planning a sixth season after all. So, we'll definitely be getting two seasons of Jonathan Pryce's Prince Philip to enjoy. Bring it on!

Are you glad Jonathan Pryce has been cast as Prince Philip?