'The Crown' Season 3: How the Former Cast Helped the New Actors (PHOTOS)

Best known for his roles on Outlander and Game of Thrones, Tobias Menzies (above) transforms himself into Prince Philip, Elizabeth’s restless husband. “I think it’s a brilliant bit of casting,” Philip No. 1, Matt Smith (next slide), recently said. According to Colman, the royals’ once-rocky marriage is “steadier” moving forward.

It was Foy (next slide) who urged Colman (above) to accept the role. The original Elizabeth recalled to Vanity Fair: “I spoke to her on the phone and told her, ‘You have to do it!’” Since saying yes, Colman has been studying the proper mannerisms — with admittedly mixed results: “One of the directors kept shouting, ‘Queen, not farmer!’”

“I’m not sure which I’m more terrified about–doing justice to the real Princess Margaret or following in the shoes of Vanessa Kirby,” Helena Bonham Carter (above) has said of taking over for Kirby (next slide) as Elizabeth’s outspoken, independent younger sister. Fun fact: Carter helped Colman learn to speak French for the show!

Ben Daniels (above) steps in for Matthew Goode (next slide) as Margaret’s unruly husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, the 1st Earl of Snowdon. The pair’s stormy relationship — including a scandalous, headline-grabbing divorce — will play out over these next episodes.