‘The Crown’ Casting Director Robert Sterne on the Requests He Still Gets: ‘Please, Can I Be Meghan Markle?’

As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for historic dramas, I can wholeheartedly say that Robert Sterne‘s journey with “The Crown” has been nothing short of remarkable. It’s like watching an epic saga unfold, not just on screen, but behind it too – the casting process, the discoveries, and the evolution of characters that have captivated millions worldwide.

Robert Sterne, the casting director for Netflix’s popular drama series “The Crown,” has been associated with it throughout all six seasons. Although the show has now ended, he still receives queries about acting roles. He humorously remarks, “I still receive letters asking, ‘Can I play Meghan Markle?'” However, he muses, “Unfortunately, that opportunity has already passed.”

After the successful completion of the renowned series, the process had been underway for Sterne over the past nine years. As he reminisces, he recalls, “It all started with us brainstorming around a table, and here we are today.” Working closely with series creator Peter Morgan, the U.K.-based casting director was instrumental in shaping the project’s direction. They discussed various aspects, such as the concept of recasting every two years instead of relying on excessive makeup. Sterne viewed it as an intriguing endeavor, a sort of experiment.

While I refuse to believe “The Crown” is over, what is it like to look back on these six seasons?

It’s an immense sense of accomplishment we’ve experienced. Right from the outset, our goal was to complete six seasons, and we managed to achieve that. I believe we’ve also been fortunate enough to work with some incredibly talented actors who have truly given their best performances. The journey has been thrilling as we’ve made unexpected discoveries and watched young talents soar. Today, you might even see their names on the side of a bus, and it’s an amazing feeling to cheer for them. It’s truly wonderful!

When the show began, I’ll admit I was nervous about changing casts because that first group of actors was so fantastic.

Absolutely. As you follow a series, you inevitably grow attached to the individuals portraying the roles. However, I find it fascinating how this narrative has unfolded by altering its course every two years, reflecting the natural evolution and transformations that occur in people’s lives at different stages.

It’s been a good mix of recognizable actors and some new faces, such as Emma Corrin or Claire Foy. Were you given carte blanche and just told to find the best person?

Among the many talented individuals out there, I believe Claire Foy would have been exceptional in portraying a specific role due to her outstanding performance as Anne Boleyn in “Wolf Hall.” Working with her on this project, I can attest that she faced a unique challenge, as she set the acting standard for the entire production. This is no small feat, and the way she met this challenge was truly remarkable. Claire’s portrayal of Anne made the character captivating, drawing viewers in completely. Her stillness and every thought were expressive enough to make an otherwise mysterious person relatable and endearing.

Working alongside visionary creators like Peter Morgan can be an enriching experience. For me as a collaborator, it’s essential to maintain open and effective communication with writers and directors. This way, I can cater better to their needs. Peter is not only kind-hearted but also articulate and eloquent, making our collaboration a smooth process. He provides extensive insights into the characters, detailing his unique perspectives on them and their roles within the narrative.

What was the hardest role to cast in Season 5 or 6 — since I think of them very much as a continuation of each other?

In my perspective, I often assume that meeting someone famous will be a breeze, but it’s not always the case. For instance, tracking down Andrew Morton, Diana’s biographer, turned out to be quite a task. However, we eventually managed to find Andrew Steele in Northern Ireland and he was simply fantastic. It seems that hunting for relatively unknown individuals, like William, Kate, and Harry when they were teenagers, is always an intriguing challenge.

How did you find this generation of royals with William and Harry and Kate Middleton? Were you previously familiar with the actors who were cast?

Indeed, our search was extensive. We scoured traditional acting agencies, delved into local drama groups across the nation, and even ventured into social media platforms. Our approach was inclusive, aiming to discover as many talented individuals as possible. It was Meg Bellamy, who was eventually cast as Kate, who caught our eye while she was employed at a Legoland in Windsor when she responded to our casting call. We were resolute on maintaining an open and fair process, giving everyone an opportunity to shine.

This is a broad question, but when it comes to sending in a tape, actors want to know how they can stand out. What would you want them to know, even if it sounds simple?

Ideally, we’d like you to be visible and audible, with minimal distractions in your surroundings for clarity. However, what we’re truly seeking isn’t a polished performance, but rather a glimpse of something genuine. We’re looking for someone who has established a connection, whether it’s through their words or expressions. Sometimes, it can be as subtle as a meaningful look in their eyes. So, if you’re physically present with us, that’s even better – we’re eager to witness your authenticity and connection in person.

In essence, I prefer not to impose strict rules or guidelines on people, instead creating an atmosphere that encourages creativity and individuality. This is particularly important when portraying well-known figures like those in “The Crown.” Therefore, it’s best to trust one’s instincts rather than trying to conform to preconceived notions or expectations. I find it intriguing when actors show a personal connection to the characters they play, as this often results in authentic performances. For example, Erin Doherty, who portrayed Princess Anne, had a deep understanding of the character due to her prior study and interest, which was evident in her compelling performance.

You cast so many projects, I’m sure that when an actor auditions for you it isn’t just for one role — you’re going to remember them down the line.

In many instances, events similar to those portrayed in “The Crown” transpired. Notably, Elizabeth Debicki initially appeared in a different role before eventually taking on Princess Diana. However, it was evident to everyone present that we needed to exercise patience as something significant was on its way. Fortunately, this strategy proved beneficial.

2024-08-17 00:17