Suzanne Mackie, the executive producer of Netflix’s hit series The Crown, reflects on the show as it approaches its sixth and final season. Mackie has been with the show from the beginning, working closely with creator Peter Morgan to bring the story of Queen Elizabeth II to life. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she discusses the decision to recast the main roles every two seasons, the success of season four, the process of choosing which historical events to include in the show, and her feelings as the series comes to an end.
When The Crown was first conceived, Mackie and Morgan knew that they would need to recast the roles of the main characters as the story progressed through the years. The decision was made early on, before the first season was even cast, in order to realistically portray the aging of the characters over a span of 60 episodes. Mackie admits that there was a moment of panic when the time came to say goodbye to the original cast, but ultimately, the decision was necessary to tell the story accurately.
The recasting process brought a new energy to the show, according to Mackie. Each new cast brought their own unique interpretation to the characters, and the writing adjusted to reflect their performances. Despite the changes, the production team remained a close-knit group, with many members staying with the show throughout its run.
Season four of The Crown was particularly successful, winning the Emmy for Best Drama Series. Mackie credits this to the great stories being told, including the introduction of Princess Diana and the portrayal of Margaret Thatcher. The performances of Emma Corrin and Gillian Anderson were particularly noteworthy, capturing the essence of their characters in a compelling way.
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One of the challenges of creating The Crown is deciding which historical events to include in the show. According to Mackie, Peter Morgan is meticulous in his preparation, mapping out a timeline for the entire series at the outset. Some events, such as Princess Diana’s introduction and the years of Margaret Thatcher’s reign, were obvious choices. However, the team had to make tough decisions about what to leave out due to time constraints.
The final season of The Crown is currently in post-production, with Mackie spending a lot of time in the cutting room. She describes the season as some of their best work, with a particularly moving ending that she hopes will resonate with audiences. The season tackles the death of Princess Diana over three episodes, and then transitions to a new chapter focusing on Prince William and Kate Middleton.
As the show comes to an end, Mackie admits to feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, she is proud of the work they have done and feels fulfilled by her contribution to the show. On the other hand, she feels a sense of loss and uncertainty about what comes next. She describes it as taking her first baby steps away from a place of safety. However, she acknowledges the privilege of working on such a groundbreaking and successful series.
In conclusion, Suzanne Mackie reflects on her time working on The Crown and discusses the decisions and challenges faced along the way. As the show approaches its final season, she expresses a mix of pride, sadness, and excitement for what the future holds.
