Paul Bettany could replace Matt Smith as Prince Philip on The Crown season 3

British actor Paul Bettany is currently the hot favourite choice to play Prince Philip on Netflix’s hit show, The Crown.

Actor Paul Bettany is in negotiation to play Prince Philip in the third season of The Crown.

Paul Bettany (left) is in talks to play Prince Philip (centre), so far played by Matt Smith (right) on Netflix’s The Crown. (Shutterstock/Shutterstock/Netflix)

If things work out, Bettany would replace Matt Smith, who has played Philip in the first two seasons, reported Variety.

Matt Smith and Claire Foy as Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II on The Crown.

It would be the latest piece of key casting news after Olivia Colman was confirmed as taking over the role of Elizabeth for the upcoming two seasons from Claire Foy.

Helena Bonham Carter will play the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, replacing Vanessa Kirby.