Entertainment
Dame Judi Dench actually ‘considered starring in The Crown season 5’ before branding it ‘crude sensationalism’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
Dame Judi recently wrote a letter expressing her concerns.
Dame Judi Dench considered starring as Queen Mother in the Netflix drama (Picture: REX/PA/Netflix)
Dame Judi Dench was reportedly ‘in serious talks’ to star in the upcoming season of The Crown, before demanding for a‘factual disclaimer’ to be included.
The fifth chapter is set to premiere on Netflix next month, and features Elizabeth Debicki playing the late Diana, Princess of Wales and Dominic West as King Charles when he was Prince of Wales.
It’s believed to focus on the couple’s bitter divorce as well as other events which shaped the Royal Family.
The latest series has caused quite a stir in the last few weeks – as the episodes are set to be released two months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Dame Judi, 87, recently wrote an open letter sharing her concerns that viewers would take The Crown’s history as being ‘wholly true’, adding that the show seems to ‘blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism’.
However, insiders claim that the former Bond matriarch was in ‘negotiations’ to take on the role of Queen Mother – which is now being played by actress Marcia Warren, and was previously fronted by Marion Bailey.
The screen legend shared her concerns over the upcoming season of The Crown (Picture: Getty Images)
Dame Judi was in talks to play Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother (R) (Picture: Getty)
The Times stated that the Belfast actress was sent scripts that she ‘liked,’ however it was reported Dame Judi had second thoughts over the role due to her close relationship with the Royal Family.
Notable public figures have also expressed their distaste for some of the storylines that are set unfold, such as the death of Princess Diana and fictionalised claims that the then Prince Charles tried to enlist Prime Minister Sir John Major to persuade the Queen to abdicate.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
An unnamed close friend of the Queen recently slammed the streaming for ‘vilifying’ the royals.
‘It is vicious. It’s as if they’re trying to destroy the royal family,’ they told The Sunday Times.
When asked how it would have affected the Queen, who died on September 8 this year, they added: ‘It would have destroyed her.’
More: Trending
Other actors joining The Crown for its new series include Game of Thrones star Jonathan Pryce, who is taking over from Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, and Lesley Manville, who replaces Helena Bonham-Carter as Princess Margaret.
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Dame Judi Dench’s reps for comment.
The Crown season 5 premieres on Netflix on November 9.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : ‘Vicious’ The Crown ‘would have destroyed’ Queen Elizabeth II amid season 5 backlash
Entertainment – MetroRead More
