'The Crown' season 2 updates: New characters to be featured in upcoming installment

Netflix's "The Crown" didn't disappoint when it premiered in November 2016. And now, the countdown has begun for the much-awaited next season. Here's everything we know so far about "The Crown" season 2.

From the very beginning, the producers knew that "The Crown" would have more than one season. So, even before the premiere of season 1, production for the next installment already began, Variety reported. And this seems just about right as season 2 will span several decades of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, portrayed excellently by Claire Foy.

It also appears that season 2 will pick up right where season 1 ended. That means the sophomore season will start in 1956. And given this timeframe, a prominent focal point of "The Crown" season 2 is the Suez Crisis. The show's creator Peter Morgan said the season will kick off with this incident as "Britain was never the same again after Suez."

Also, "The Crown" season 2 will put more of the limelight on the men in Queen Elizabeth II's life, namely Prince Phillip, portrayed by Matt Smith, and a young Prince Charles, played by Billy Jenkins.

Prince Phillip is of particular interest as his complexity as a human being will be laid bare. In fact, Morgan said that season's "soul" is all about Prince Phillip's complexity.

Meanwhile, Princess Margaret will take her naughtiness to a whole new level. Apparently, the royal was a wild one and her story will be shown in succulent detail in the next season. Vanessa Kirby, who plays the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II in the show, shows off her acting prowess — she doesn't hold back and delivers a stellar performance to remember.

Season 2 will also be the last for Foy and Smith. The succeeding seasons require older actors and actresses to maintain continuity. In fact, the more seasons there are, the more actors and actresses are needed. It is rumored that "The Crown" will go on until season 6 even if it is Netflix's most expensive show to produce.

Another noteworthy detail that shouldn't be missed is that fact that John and Jackie Kennedy will be part of "The Crown" season 2. Michael C. Hall will play the iconic U.S. president while Jodi Balfour takes on the role of the controversial wife. Their roles in influencing the modernization of the British monarchy couldn't be denied, Foy told Entertainment Weekly.

"The Crown" season 2 debuts on Dec 8.

News
Ukrainian churches appeal for aid in starving Oleshky
Ukrainian churches appeal for aid in starving Oleshky

Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the crisis in Oleshky.

Scottish Parliament honours missionary who died in Auschwitz
Scottish Parliament honours missionary who died in Auschwitz

MSPs said they hoped Haining's example would resonate with people at a time of rising hate crime and antisemitism.

Evangelicals welcome Spanish moves to redress pension 'injustice'
Evangelicals welcome Spanish moves to redress pension 'injustice'

The issue centres on the treatment of evangelical ministers under and after Franco’s rule.

Could the Church face a ‘silver uprising’?
Could the Church face a ‘silver uprising’?

Churches are being urged to take seriously the contributions of older members - or run the risk of facing a ‘silver uprising’ of discontent from seniors in their congregations.