Netflix in Advanced Talks to Revive The Crown for Royal Scandal Specials
Netflix is reportedly engaged in advanced discussions with the creator of The Crown to revive the acclaimed series for a set of special episodes. These episodes would focus on the most significant royal scandals, including the dramatic downfall of Prince Andrew, his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, and his recent arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Historic Events Prompt Series Revival
The iconic series, which originally spanned six seasons from 2016 to 2023, covered major events in the Royal Family's history, such as Queen Elizabeth II's early reign and the wedding of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Now, just weeks after Prince Andrew's arrest on his 66th birthday, sources indicate that Netflix is considering a revival under The Crown banner to dramatize these unprecedented modern scandals.
A source close to the discussions told the Daily Mail: "The events of last week are historic and unprecedented. There have been discussions for some time with Left Bank Pictures, which owns the rights to The Crown, for a series of one-off specials about royal scandals and dramas. The Crown, as a series, has ended, but the name will live on."
Focus on Prince Andrew's Dramatic Saga
The source elaborated that the proposed limited series would center on the Andrew saga, describing it as "as dramatic, if not more dramatic, than anything shown in the original series, which included episodes on the abdication and the death of Diana." This marks a potential shift from creator Peter Morgan's previous stance of maintaining a careful distance from contemporary events.
Prince Andrew's arrest saw him spend 11 hours in custody at a Norfolk police station before being released, with Thames Valley Police confirming an ongoing investigation. Since then, he has been residing at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate under strict rules imposed by King Charles, including restrictions on horse riding and requiring permission for visitors.
Competition Heats Up Among Streaming Giants
Netflix is not alone in seeking to capitalize on this royal drama. Rival streaming services, including Disney+ and Amazon Prime, are also reportedly exploring dramatized series based on Andrew's fall from grace. Amazon previously produced a drama about Andrew's 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, while Netflix released Scoop, featuring Rufus Sewell as the former prince.
A Disney Studios source revealed: "We have been bombarded with screenwriters wanting to bring this story to us. The race is on in Hollywood to be the first studio to bring out an Andrew film." Screenwriter Jeremy Brock, who worked on Amazon's A Very Royal Scandal, added that executives are actively discussing projects centered on Andrew's continued downfall, citing it as extraordinary drama.
Implications for Royal Portrayals in Media
This development highlights the ongoing fascination with royal scandals in the entertainment industry and the competitive landscape among streaming platforms. The potential revival of The Crown for special episodes could set a precedent for how modern royal events are depicted, blending historical drama with recent controversies.
As talks progress, viewers can anticipate a gripping portrayal of one of the most tumultuous periods in recent royal history, with multiple studios vying to tell the story first.
