The cast of “The Crown” is opening up about the emotional moments of filming the Netflix hit’s sixth and final season, which follows Princess Diana’s final days and her fatal car crash in Paris.
On the red carpet in Los Angeles, Diana star Elizabeth Debicki joined co-stars Jonathan Pryce (who plays Prince Philip) and Khalid Abdalla (who plays Dodi Fayed). Rufus Kampa, who plays a young Prince William, and Fflyn Edwards, who plays a young Prince Harry, were also in attendance. The final season is split into two parts, with the first half releasing Thursday.
Debicki expressed that taking on the role of Princess Diana was both unusual and beautiful, but it came with a huge amount of responsibility, particularly when it came to dealing with her death. She emphasized the importance of portraying these emotional moments with care and understanding the impact they have on viewers.
Acting across from the fake paparazzi who constantly followed Diana was a difficult experience for Debicki and Abdalla. It was described as a horrendous and abusive experience, leaving them feeling trapped and questioning the motives behind the relentless pursuit. Debicki likened filming these scenes to a physical stunt, as her body experienced the pressure of the situation, prompting instinctive acting.
Abdalla also shared his experience of being stuck in traffic with people banging on the window and trying to take photographs, leaving a lasting impact that made him flinch at the sound of passing scooters. He emphasized the emotional weight of honoring people who died tragically, particularly in the case of Dodi Fayed, someone who was relatively unknown to many.
Even for those actors whose characters were not directly involved in Diana’s storylines, the process was heavy. Pryce recalled how emotional it was for the cast and crew to watch early cuts of scenes surrounding Diana’s death, evoking tears and a long silence among the team. The impact of Diana on the world was profound, and the portrayal of her life and tragic death was emotionally stirring for all involved.
According to creator Peter Morgan, the portrayal of these scenes hinged on finding the right person to play Diana. He expressed relief and gratitude for landing Elizabeth Debicki for the role, stating that without her, he would have had to find alternative ways to tell the story.
The first part of “The Crown”‘s final season starts streaming Thursday on Netflix, with the second part dropping on December 14. This marks the culmination of a highly emotional and impactful series that has delved into the complex lives of the British royal family. As the world prepares to bid farewell to “The Crown,” the impact of its emotional storytelling and powerful performances will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
