(Left) Jonny Lee Miller will play former prime minister John Major (Right)
(Picture: Getty Images and AFP via Getty Images)Trainspotting and Elementary actor Jonny Lee Miller has been cast to play former prime minister John Major in the next season of The Crown.
In its fifth season, the popular Netflix royal drama will cover the events under Major’s seven years in office from 1990 to 1997.
Creator Peter Morgan typically plots his seasons around prime ministers, as he did in the previous season with Margaret Thatcher’s eleven years in power.
Jonny Lee Miller will play John Major in the fifth season of The Crown. pic.twitter.com/woMcTQtUmb
— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) June 25, 2021
But many people have shared their surprise and confusion at the casting, and are struggling to see a resemblance between the two.
Have you guys... Like... Seen a picture of John Major
— a different baldwin (@iscotchdotca) June 25, 2021
— Kamal Prashar (@kampra) June 25, 2021
That casting is very... Odd 🤔 pic.twitter.com/MdJ4hYrGBu
— a person (@EnterTheElectro) June 25, 2021
Some have even edited images of Miller to see what he could look like on our TV screens as Major.
Still too pretty. pic.twitter.com/Q95474JzCF
— Alex Sievewright (@AlexSievewright) June 25, 2021
Yeah why not pic.twitter.com/Y3S5gD91fk
— John 💜 NHS supporter (@nobbysoldboots) June 25, 2021
Needs some MS paint loving to see it. pic.twitter.com/IrTt0UTKZL
— Forrest Sholars (@fsholars) June 25, 2021
While others remain skeptical about the choice, many pointed out that fans were similarly dubious about Gillian Anderson playing Thatcher in the previous season.
But she received wide critical praise in her role and scooped a Golden Globe for her performance.
Tbf I’d be skeptical they could pull it off but they managed to make Gillian Anderson Thatcher
— James | #StayAtHome Is Optional;Please Be Sensible (@Autisticosaurus) June 25, 2021
I mean, I believe in movie magic and they did a pretty good job with Gillian Anderson as Thatcher but this just seems to be asking for too much.
— Dr. Erin Hinson (@erin_hinson42) June 25, 2021
I'm not sure @TheCrownNetflix has seen a photo of John Major but they did a magnificent job turning Gillian Anderson into Thatcher so I look forward to how they will transform Jonny Lee Miller into Major. pic.twitter.com/lqK5CE74Ms
— Valentyna Holloway (@ValentyneDreams) June 25, 2021
Elsewhere, others can’t quite believe Sick Boy from Trainspotting (a film that was released in 1996 - near the end of Major’s time in office) is going to play a prime minister.
Imagine when Trainspotting came out as the Major administration was falling apart, trying to tell anyone that one day Sick Boy would play John Major https://t.co/uIVbBwyJtu
— Dli O'Doir (@dli_odoir) June 25, 2021
Sick Boy has now become John Major? That’s it. Stop the world, I want to get off
— MrsMartyn (@vc61) June 25, 2021
Words I never expected to read.
— L (@MrsCupcake79) June 25, 2021
Sick Boy = John Major. https://t.co/ana52R0Gnn
From Sick Boy to John Major, now that's what I call an actor
— marquis de sad (@sheikyerbouti_) June 25, 2021
Had you told me in the late 90s that in 2021 Sick Boy would be cast as John Major, I'd have been a little bit doubtful. Much like I am now. https://t.co/RMnql0QDVG
— Phil #BlackLivesStillMatter (@lipmarty75) June 25, 2021
In the 1980s, Major was linked to Conservative politician Edwina Curry and, in reaction to the casting news, many have joked about who might play her.
Jonny Lee Miller as John Major!!? Drink some water, The Crown, you're drunk. What next, Rosario Dawson as Edwina Currie?
— Nat Luurtsema (@natluurtsema) June 25, 2021
(would watch)
Which baddie are they gonna get to play Edwina Currie https://t.co/VBDT5zhO0o
— Jason Okundaye (@jasebyjason) June 25, 2021
We are two phone calls away from Angelina Jolie playing Edwina Currie https://t.co/U5feNKWOx2
— Tom Morton (@tommorton) June 25, 2021
Can't wait to see Angelina Jolie as Edwina Currie. https://t.co/HgpVsG0HOY
— Nathaniel Tapley (@Natt) June 25, 2021
Looking forward to seeing I dunno Megan Fox or someone as Edwina Currie https://t.co/D0R4YnQscU
— Michael Fry (@BigDirtyFry) June 25, 2021
cast angelina jolie as edwina currie you cowards https://t.co/RXJgeZniJk
— Emma Hope Allwood / EHA (@emmahopeall) June 25, 2021
Assume Edwina Currie will be played by Lily James. https://t.co/wps7c6ohKw
— Flic Everett (@fliceverett) June 25, 2021
Meanwhile, some aren’t quite prepared to see their teenage crush play the role of Major.
I am not emotionally prepared to have a crush on John Major. https://t.co/zLRXu5yz72
— Elizabeth Picciuto (@epicciuto) June 25, 2021
No!! That is too confusing. He was probably my first serious movie crush. I can't fancy John Major!! https://t.co/0YDZElqjUF
— Kathleen (@Kath_Walk_Run) June 25, 2021
No matter where you stand on the Royal Family you have to admire the commitment of The Crown to destroy the affection you had for your teenage crushes https://t.co/RFq6K63lPk
— Neil Gorton (@NeilGortz) June 25, 2021
No. I'm still not over my weird crush on season 3/4 Prince Philip I REFUSE to have a crush on John Major. #TheCrown https://t.co/1CA8hBaRVx
— Jemima Sampson (@Jemima1989) June 25, 2021
when will the crown stop making people feel extremely sexually confused about tories https://t.co/0px9TqCvL0
— bovril lavigne (@aIisoooon) June 25, 2021
Miller is 48, a year older than Major (47) was when he was elected into office in November 1990.
Season 5 will include Princess Diana’s bombshell BBC Panorama interview, which has made headlines again recently over the tactics Martin Bashir used to get the interview, Deadline reported.
Shooting is expected to begin next month with a completely new cast.
Imelda Staunton plays Queen Elizabeth, Lesley Manville is Princess Margaret, Jonathan Pryce will play Prince Philip, and Elizabeth Debicki features as Princess Diana.
