The first image of Imelda Staunton in character as the Queen in Netflix’s The Crown has been revealed.
The 65-year-old is taking over from Olivia Coleman, who played the British monarch in seasons three and four.
Best known to many as Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter, the actress, who also starred in Downton Abbey, will portray the Queen throughout the 1990s and to 2003 in the next two seasons.
Sharing the image on social media, the show’s official page wrote: “An early glimpse of our new Queen Elizabeth II, Imelda Staunton.”
But as bosses gave fans a first glimpse of Staunton as the monarch while she is filming the new season, many fans agreed that they couldn’t separate her from her past characters.
One fan commented: “That is Dolores Umbridge don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Another agreed, saying: “No. That’s professor Umbridge,” while another wrote: “Ahhhh!! I can never not see Umbridge!”
Others weren’t bothered by the comparison and told of their excitement to see her in the new role, with one saying: “DOLORES UMBRIDGE AS THE QUEEN OMG OMG YASS.
“From Claire Foy to Olivia Colman to Imelda Staunton, the Crown casting team never disappoints!!!”
Another wrote: “She'll totally nail this role.”
As part of the new change-over of cast, Lesley Manville is set to take over as Princess Margaret, who was previously played by another Harry Potter star, Helena Bonham Carter.
Game of Thrones star Jonathan Pryce will play Prince Philip, and Elizabeth Debicki of Tenet fame will feature as Diana, Princess of Wales.
Dominic West, best known for his roles in The Wire and The Affair, will portray Prince Charles.
Shooting for the new season began this month at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
Stay up to date with the latest showbiz news and gossip by liking our dedicated Facebook page
