More controversy has befallen The Crown. Primarily following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown debuted its fifth season on Netflix in November. The latest season had already conjured up some backlash ahead of its premiere, as some viewers were uncomfortable watching the series following the deaths of Prince Philip in 2021 along with Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. Some critics have said that Netflix needs to add disclaimers emphasizing that the series is a fictional dramatization of real-life events, with Dame Judi Dench even calling out The Crown for “crude sensationalism.”

With season 6 now underway, more controversy has been created with what’s reportedly been filmed for the upcoming episodes. According to The Sun, the upcoming episodes will be exploring Princess Diana’s death, and word is Elizabeth Debicki had even laid down in a coffin for an open casket scene, pretending to be deceased. The scene is said to feature Prince Charles (Dominic West) in tears along with other mourners. Onlookers who claim to have seen the open casket scene told the publication that they felt shocked and appalled by what they saw.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

“Princes William and Harry never saw their mother dead in a coffin and they shouldn’t have to watch this. Nor should the British public," one person is quoted as saying.

“The bosses went way over the top to chase ratings,” says another. “Everyone was very uncomfortable doing the shoot. It is obscene and should be banned from broadcast.”

There’s another scene that was reportedly filmed that’s said to be problematic as well. It was described as an enactment of medical staff frantically trying to save Diana’s life in a hospital following her fatal car accident. Real surgeons were hired for the scene, which is also said to have “blood everywhere” with medics working on Diana’s lifeless body.

“There were conversations on set between cast members visibly upset at what they were being asked to do,” an unnamed witness from the set claims.

Some who knew Diana personally are also crying foul. Her former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, suggested that William will find the scenes “repulsive” while Charles will be left “appalled.” Diana’s friend, Simone Simmonds, also said that depicting the tragic events on-screen is “sick, sick, sick.”

“At this rate, why don’t they just go and dig up her grave,” Simmonds said. “These scenes aren’t entertainment, it’s just ghoulish.”

How Much of These Scenes Will Make the Final Cut?

     Netflix

Given that there is already backlash, it’s possible that Netflix may have the scenes removed or heavily trimmed down by the time season 6 of The Crown is released. Officially, the streamer hasn’t commented on this newest wave of backlash concerning Diana’s death and how certain events are portrayed on-screen. However, the streamer previously promised to address Diana’s passing with the “utmost respect and care.”

The first five seasons of The Crown are streaming on Netflix. Season 6 does not yet have a release date.