Earlier this year Paul Bettany was rumoured to be playing Prince Phillip in the popular Netflix series The Crown. The actor was supposedly meant to take over from Matt Smith, who received huge praise for his performance during series one and two of the drama.
However, it has since been revealed that Game of Thrones star Tobias Menzies will star as a middle-aged Prince Philip in the coming seasons.
Fans were thrilled with the casting news, but many felt that Paul Bettany was the perfect match.
On 10th March 1964, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip welcomed Prince Edward into the world. At the time of his birth at Buckingham Palace, Edward was third in line to the British throne.
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) March 10, 2018
The rest is either history or spoilers depending on one's point of view. pic.twitter.com/76AhjOp4CF
Speaking about the casting rumours, the Avengers actor revealed the reason why he didn’t land the part in the end.
During an appearance on Lorraine, he told Christine Lampard that his schedule was the main issue. It is understood that the cast of The Crown film for a staggering eight months in the United Kingdom.
“We discussed it. We just couldn’t come to terms on dates really. [That] is all that happened,” he said.
He may not be part of the cast, but the Iron Man actor admitted that he will remain a fan of the show.
“100%, I’ll remain a fan of it – it’s fantastic,” he gushed.
Starring alongside Tobias Menzies in series three and four of The Crown will be Broadchurch star Olivia Colman, who is delighted to be taking over from Golden Globe winner Claire Foy.
“I’m so thrilled to be part of The Crown. I was utterly gripped watching it. Claire Foy is an incredibly hard fact to follow.”
Tobias Menzies will play Prince Philip in The Crown Season Three. pic.twitter.com/7GID5ZCNix
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) April 5, 2018
Olivia and Tobias starred alongside one another in The Night Manager and are so glad that they get to work together again, “I’m thrilled to be working with Olivia Colman again. I look forward to becoming her ‘liege man of life and limb,” Tobias shared.
The next series of The Crown is rumoured to begin filming in July, which means it may not return to our screens until 2019.
