Trainspotting actor Jonny Lee Miller is set to join the cast of The Crown after bosses signed him up to play the role of Prime Minister John Major.
The 48-year-old actor, who was previously married to Angelina Jolie, was confirmed as a character in the upcoming fifth season of the Royal drama by Netflix producers on social media.
He will join a stellar lineup – that includes Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce and Elizabeth Debicki – in the fifth installment that focuses on the tumultuous 1990s.
The announcement, that television bosses revealed just hours ago, has been widely welcomed by fans as they express excitement at the veteran actor landing the role.
Several fans flocked to the comment section to share their thoughts, with one saying: “The Crown never disappoints with their casting. They always pick the right actor for the job. Jonny Lee Miller is a tremendous talent. I can’t wait to see him join one of the best television series ever made.”
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: PA)
Others expressed their surprise at the casting decision, suggesting that the two figures are complete opposites.
“Jonny Lee Miller – best known for playing Sick Boy in Trainspotting – will play Prime Minister Sir John Major in the fifth season of The Crown. Didn’t see that coming..” added a Twitter user.
“Hair and Make Up must be one hell of a department. With a clean shaven face and some hair gel I think it might work, we’ll have to see,” added another.
Another fan said: “Tbf I’d be skeptical they could pull it off but they managed to make Gillian Anderson Thatcher.”
Some of Johnny Lee Miller’s most notable roles include Trainspotting and Elementary, the latter of which earned him a Satellite Award nomination for Best Actor.
He will portray Margaret Thatcher’s successor, John Major, who was in charge of leading the country from late 1990 to 1997.
An insider has also revealed to The Sun that producers were precisely looking for someone that viewers would think was a surprise casting choice.
(Image: Twitter/TheCrownNetflix)
“It may seem like an unlikely casting as the two men couldn’t be more different, but the creators of the Crown aren’t interested in an actor playing a version of themselves,” the source said.
They added: “But at 48, Jonny is actually the perfect age to play Sir John, who became PM at the age of 47 after Maggie was removed from power.”
News of his casting in The Crown came shortly after it was reported that his ex-wife Angelina Jolie was slowly reconnecting with the actor.
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Earlier this month, Angelina Jolie set tongues wagging as she was seen leaving ex-husband Jonny Lee Miller’s apartment after what appeared to be an intimate dinner together.
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