'The Crown' season 3 cast news: Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret? Actress reportedly nearing deal

Netflix's "The Crown" may have just found its new Princess Margaret. In what is arguably the most perfect casting of 2018, "Ocean's 8" star Helena Bonham Carter is reportedly poised to take on the role of the Queen Elizabeth's scandal-struck sister.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Carter is already in negotiations and is, in fact, nearing a deal to be Princess Margaret's aged version for "The Crown" seasons 3 and 4. She is set to replace younger actress Vanessa Kirby following the show's decision to jump forward in time to the 1970s.

As recalled, the first two seasons followed the character's complicated love life and eventual marriage to photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones. Plot details on the third one are scarce, but it will likely sow the seeds for their marriage's failure that ended in divorce in 1978, and feature more ups and downs in her tense relationship with the Queen.

The Evening Standard reports Carter was originally in the running to play Elizabeth II herself. However, the role previously played by Claire Foy ultimately went to Olivia Colman, and Carter landed the far riskier, more stylish and mischievous role of Margaret instead.

Appropriately enough, the "Harry Potter" alumna has a subtle connection to her rumored character. The publication notes her home in Oxfordshire, Mill House was previously owned by Princess Margaret's former lady-in-waiting, Jane Stevens.

Apart from the royal sisters, other key characters will be recast as well including Prince Philipp. There is no word yet on who will replace Matt Smith in the said role, although "Doctor Who" alum David Tennant and "Midnight in Paris" actor Michael Sheen have both been named as possible candidates.

"The Crown" season 3 is currently in the early stages of pre-production. It does not have a release date yet, but the new episodes are expected to hit Netflix sometime late this year.

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