The Crown makers struggle to cast Prince Andrew?

Audiences are used to seeing popular actors in Netflix original drama The Crown, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the members of the British Royal family. So, it has naturally come as a surprise to many that reports are claiming that the makers are struggling to cast someone in the role of Prince Andrew for the fifth season.

Not the most widely known or well liked member of the Royal family, Prince Andrew's catastrophic interview with BBC Newsnight's Emily Maitlis over his friendship with convicted sex offender and US financier Jeffrey Epstein resulted in him giving his royal duties up.

Producers of The Crown, Left Bank Pictures, have apparently turned to Spotlight to advertise the role. Spotlight is commonly known as a website for out-of-work actors who can secure auditions. The advertisement seeks a 30- to 40-year-old actor to play the Duke of York, and promises that it is "a very good role".

A casting source told The Sun that no A-lister is ready to play Prince Andrew. This is coming after companies that the Prince had ties with, like Barclays, have distanced themselves from him in an attempt to stay away from controversy.

Though the role is difficult to cast, it might work for a character artiste.

Left Bank Pictures responded to these rumours, squashing them by stating that advertising on Spotlight is a common practice. Only the season's trailer or sneak peeks from the sets will confirm if The Crown has been successful is casting a familiar face for the role.

The advertisement also reveals that filming will begin in August and continue till January 2022. The series is slated to return for season six, which is scheduled to film from 2022 to 2023. This season will cover the time period of 1991 to 1997 and will feature events from the Queen's Annus Horribilis and the truth behind the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.