“The X-Files” star Gillian Anderson has given us a peek at her upcoming portrayal of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the fourth season of Netflix’s “The Crown.”
The 51-year-old actress was seen on set Thursday, dressed in vintage pearls, a gray blazer with shoulder pads and the former leader’s trademark bouffant. In the scene being filmed, she’s leaving a townhouse and walking into a waiting press pack in London.
“Thatcher was undoubtedly formidable but I am relishing exploring beneath the surface and, dare I say, falling in love with the icon who, whether loved or despised, defined an era,” Anderson said of the role when it was announced in September, following months of speculation. “I am so excited to be joining the cast and crew of ‘The Crown’ and to have the opportunity to portray such a complicated and controversial woman.”
To prepare for the role, Anderson immersed herself in reading and viewing material about the late style icon — and got emotional. “To a certain degree, it’s very helpful for an actor, at least in my experience, to slightly fall in love with the character you’re playing, regardless of what your opinion might be of them, if it’s a historical character, particularly. So I have,” she told The Guardian in September.
The fourth season will be “The Crown”‘s penultimate, creator Peter Morgan confirmed last month. The award-winning British royal drama’s last season will also star 24-year-old Emma Corrin as Princess Diana; the actress was recently spotted filming in a floral dress similar to the one Diana wore ahead of her 1981 nuptials.
Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the upcoming season.
