Sometimes, things are just too perfect to work out. Last week we learned that Paul Bettany was in negotiations to take over from Matt Smith as Prince Philip in seasons three and four of “The Crown.” It was a genius stroke of casting, as the actor would be a perfect fit for Philip’s blandsome assholery. Alas, it’s not to be.
THR reveals that Bettany has scheduling conflicts will prevent him from joining Netflix’s acclaimed royal family drama. The trade doesn’t reveal what is possibly on Bettany’s calendar preventing him from joining one of the most prestigious shows on television right now, but he better have a good reason. If we were to wildly speculate, perhaps his press tour for “Avengers: Infinity War” is getting in the way (though let’s be real — and with all due respect — he’s probably somewhere below Jeremy Renner in the list of in-demand actors for interviews in that blockbuster). Or maybe Vision will survive the events of that Marvel blockbuster and Bettany has to wear the purple suit again as production for the sequel gears up.
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At any rate, it’s a bummer and it’ll be interesting to see who Peter Morgan and his team go with. Will they circle back to rumored names like Michael Sheen or David Tennant, or find someone else? Do you have any ideas? Share ’em in our comments section below.
