The Crown season 3: Paul Bettany ‘in talks’ to replace Matt Smith as Prince Philip

Paul Bettany is rumoured to be in talks to take over the role of Prince Philip in the upcoming series of Netflix’s The Crown.

In the first two series of the royal drama, the Prince was played by former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, who will be replaced along with the rest of the cast in series three.

According to the Mail Online, Bettany's agents have met with The Crown’s senior executive producers and "discussed the actor’s availability to attend rehearsals in June and filming from July until January or February next year".

The actor is known for his roles in films including A Beautiful Mind and The Avengers series.

Series two of The Crown was released on Netflix late last year, bringing the original cast’s time on the series to an end.

Upcoming episodes will feature new actors who will portray the royals from the 1970s into the late 1980s.

Olivia Colman, who will follow in Claire Foy’s footsteps as The Queen, is the only new castmember to be officially confirmed.

However, earlier this month it was reported in the Evening Standard Londoner’s Diary that Helena Bonham Carter would take over the role of Princess Margaret from Vanessa Kirby.

Kirby then endorsed the claims by posting a picture of herself with Bonham Carter on her Instagram page simply captioned: “Honoured @thecrownnetflix”

Standard Online has contacted representatives for Bettany for comment.