The moment Oscar-nominee Helena Bonham Carter was cast as The Crown‘s Princess Margaret, I inked her into a Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Emmy nomination. First, she follows the Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning Vanessa Kirby, so voters are primed to reward the role. Second, she’s a major, award-winning actress taking a non-headline role. Third, Olivia Colman plays Queen Elizabeth in Season 3. She’s very hot right now after winning an Oscar, so she’s going to drive a lot of attention to the series. Finally, Helena Bonham Carter consulted the spirit of Princess Margaret on how to play the role.
Yup. She actually spoke with the dead in a seance to prepare for the role. And that is Bad. Ass.
According to Variety, Carter learned that she was “better than the other actress… that they were thinking of.” She also revealed that Princess Margaret’s spirit advised that she needed to learn how to smoke properly.
I mean, how can you not predict someone with support from beyond the grave?
The Crown Season 3 drops on Netflix on November 17.
Princess Margaret will speak only to major stars playing her in film or theater, so put away your Ouija board. Don’t even try.
