Why Did 'The Crown' Only Ever Planned To Go As Far as 2005 | MarkMeets | Entertainment, Music, Movie, TV & London Film Premiere News

The planning behind the popular Netflix series, “The Crown,” involved a deliberate decision to conclude the storyline in 2005, well before the present day. This foresight was not a recent development but was set in motion a decade ago by the show’s creator and showrunner, Peter Morgan. The decision was not merely logistical; it carried a thematic significance, with the intended conclusion coinciding with a pivotal moment in the British royal family’s history.

The Vision Behind ‘The Crown’

From its debut in 2016, “The Crown” has been a captivating chronicle of Queen Elizabeth II’s life, spanning from the 1940s to the 2000s. Suzanne Mackie shed light on the show’s predetermined endpoint, stating that Morgan had envisioned concluding the narrative in 2005. According to Mackie, Morgan expressed a desire to wrap up the series around the time of Camilla and Charles’ wedding, embodying a fairy tale ending where peace is restored to the land.

Morgan’s vision for the show reflects a deliberate choice to avoid delving into the recent past or the current state of the royal family. As he explained in an interview with THR in August 2020, the show’s richness lies in exploring events with a certain temporal distance. The 20-year rule he adheres to allows for a deeper understanding of historical events, their roles, positions, and relevance.

The 20-Year Rule: A Guiding Principle

Morgan elaborated on his writing philosophy, asserting that the passage of time adds complexity and depth to narratives. He expressed a preference for focusing on events that occurred at least two decades ago, highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of contemporary events, such as the ongoing journey of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Morgan’s emphasis on the 20-year rule emerges from a belief that this temporal distance enables a more comprehensive understanding of historical events, allowing them to be examined in a broader context.

In emphasizing this rule, Morgan acknowledged the transient nature of contemporary events, where what seems crucial today may fade into obscurity, while seemingly insignificant occurrences can prove historically relevant and enduring. This deliberate temporal distance allows for a measured and reflective exploration of the past, contributing to the show’s historical accuracy and narrative depth.

Filming Amidst Real-Life Events

The decision to conclude “The Crown” in 2005 took on an unforeseen poignancy with the real-life passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 at the age of 96. Interestingly, filming for the sixth and final season had already commenced before her death. The synchronicity of the production timeline with the monarch’s passing created a unique circumstance where the scripted narrative and real-world events intersected.

While some might have expected the show’s conclusion to be influenced by the Queen’s death, it was revealed that the season had been written well in advance of this event. The production briefly paused out of respect following the monarch’s passing but resumed later that month. This underscores the premeditated nature of the series finale and reaffirms the commitment to conclude the show’s narrative arc in 2005.

The Impact on Royal Family Members

“The Crown” has not been without controversy, especially concerning its portrayal of the British royal family. Members of the royal family, including Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie, have openly shared their thoughts on the series. The cast of the show has acknowledged concerns about how the royal family perceives their dramatized portrayals. Despite these reservations, it raises the intriguing question of whether members of the royal family themselves tune in to watch the series.

The real-time unfolding of events, such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II, adds an extra layer of complexity to the intersection between fiction and reality. The show’s creators have navigated the challenge of crafting a narrative that respects historical events while recognizing the potential impact on those directly involved.

The Final Season: Navigating Endings and Beginnings

As “The Crown” approaches its conclusion with the release of the final season, the narrative extends up to 2005, well before significant events like the Queen’s passing and Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle. The deliberate choice to conclude the series before these events speaks to a commitment to maintaining the temporal framework established from the outset.

Notably, the last episodes of the series will explore the beginnings of another significant love story in the royal family: the meeting of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Set in 2001 at St Andrews University, this storyline adds a poignant touch to the series finale, capturing a moment of historical significance while maintaining adherence to the predetermined endpoint.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the decision to conclude “The Crown” in 2005 was not only a logistical choice but a thematic one that aligned with the creator’s vision. The commitment to the 20-year rule, emphasizing the exploration of events with temporal distance, has shaped the narrative and ensured a nuanced and reflective portrayal of historical moments. As the series concludes, it leaves a lasting imprint by bridging the gap between fiction and reality, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricacies of history and the enduring legacy of the British royal family.