The Crown: Dominic West says viewers can watch a documentary if they don’t like ‘imaginative speculation’
‘It’s a drama,’ actor reminded viewers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Crown star Dominic West has said that viewers can watch a documentary if they’re not interested in the show’s “imaginative speculation” about the royal family.
The Netflix series returns for its fifth season on Wednesday (9 November), with a new cast including Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce and Elizabeth Debicki taking over as the British royals.
You can follow live updates as the show is released here.
The Crown season five has already been met with criticism for its expected depiction of the breakdown of then-Prince Charles (West) and Princess Diana’s (Debicki) marriage.
Many called for the show to feature a disclaimer clarifying that the series is a work of fiction – something Netflix refused to do for season four.
The fifth season also does not feature such a disclaimer.
West has now defended the series, saying that he undertook a great amount of research before taking on the role of the future king.
Speaking at the season premiere on Tuesday (8 November) night, he told Sky News: “I think a lot of sensibilities have been stirred up because of the death of the queen, but this is a show that has always caused controversy the closer it’s got to our own time and the more that people remember these times.”
Adding that this season would be The Crown’s most “tumultuous” yet, West continued: “It’s a drama. It’s an imaginative speculation, in a way, which all drama is.
“I watched every single documentary that’s ever been made about my character anyway, and there are plenty of those that people can watch if you don’t want to see what a great dramatist has created imaginatively.”
The Crown season five is on Netflix now.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments