Naomi Watts to portray Diana, the late Princess of Wales
CBC News
Posted: Feb 9, 2012 2:45 PM ET
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2012 2:44 PM ET
Actress Naomi Watts, seen in Los Angeles in November, has landed the role of Diana, the late Princess of Wales, in an upcoming British film. (Matt Sayles/Associated Press)
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Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts has signed on to portray Diana, the late Princess of Wales, in a new film that will focus on her final years.
U.K. production company Ecosse Films announced the casting decision on Thursday.
The upcoming film Caught in Flight will spotlight the search for happiness that consumed the last two years of Diana's life, including how she redefined herself following her divorce from Prince Charles and became a prominent "international campaigner and humanitarian," producers said.
Diana died in a Paris car crash in August 1997.
"It is such an honour to be able to play this iconic role," said Watts, who earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in 21 Grams and is also known for her turns in Mulholland Drive, The Ring, King Kong and Eastern Promises.
"Princess Diana was loved across the world and I look forward to rising to the challenge of playing her onscreen."
Caught in Flight will be helmed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, director of the controversial Adolf Hitler film Downfall. It will based on a screenplay by British playwright Stephen Jeffreys. Filming is set to begin later this year.
Ecosse Films previously produced Andrea Arnold's recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
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