Is Imelda Staunton Taking Over as Queen Elizabeth on ‘The Crown’ After Olivia Colman?

Less than a week after The Crown season three premiere, Netflix is already supposedly looking for Olivia Colman’s successor as Queen Elizabeth.

The streaming service is reportedly in talks with Imelda Staunton to take over the role in season five of the popular series, according to The Daily Mail. But without confirmation from the ’Flix, this news certainly has to fall in the “casting rumors” category for now.

The 63-year-old actress is widely recognized for playing Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Staunton also voiced Aunt Lucy in Paddington and Paddington 2 and played Lady Bagshaw in the Downton Abbey movie.

Queen Elizabeth was originally played by Claire Foy in seasons one and two of The Crown. Since the show features a major time jump, Netflix hired Colman for seasons three and four and will likely bring in another actress (Staunton, perhaps?) for any additional installments.

However, it’s important to point out that the streaming service hasn’t officially renewed The Crown for season five. Although the series is currently filming the fourth installment, Netflix hasn’t commissioned any further episodes (at least not yet).

In addition to Colman, season three of The Crown stars Tobias Menzies (Prince Philip), Helena Bonham Carter (Princess Margaret), Josh O’Connor (Prince Charles) and Erin Doherty (Princess Anne). It takes place from the mid ’60s to the late ’70s, with the fourth installment picking up where it left off and continuing on to the mid ’80s.

That seemed awfully short-lived for Colman, don’t you think? The Crown is now streaming on Netflix.