Naomi Watts to Play Princess Diana in New Movie

Kate Middleton has earned comparisons to Princess Diana for her charitable givings, but Naomi Watts has landed the role of playing the late princess in the upcoming movie “Caught in Flight.”

Watts said:

“It is such an honor to be able to play this iconic role. Princess Diana was loved across the world and I look forward to rising to the challenge of playing her on screen.”

Reuters reports that the new movie will be the first major production about Princess Diana. (There have been several made-for-TV movies since Diana’s tragic death in 1997.)

Watts, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2004 for “21 Games,” was last seen in “J. Edgar” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Jessica Chastain was originally attached to the project but Ecosse Films announced today that Watts would be taking on the role of Dianna.

“Caught in Flight” will focus on the final two years of Diana’s life. Ecosse Films said that the movie will show “how finding true personal happiness for the first time allowed her to achieve her defining successes evolving into a major international campaigner and humanitarian.”

Several media outlets have reported that the movie will also focus on Diana’s secret two year affair with heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.

Oliver Hirschbiegel, who directed “Downfall” about Hitler’s demise, will helm the Princess Diana movie.

Princess Diana died in a car crash in August in 1997. She was 36-years-old.