Naomi Watts Cast as Princess Diana in New Biopic "Caught in Flight"

Oscar nominee Naomi Watts has landed what very well may be the role of a lifetime: it was just announced that she will be playing Princess Diana in an upcoming biopic titled Caught in Flight.

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According to Variety, the film will focus on the final two years of Princess Diana’s life and pay special attention to her humanitarian efforts and quest for happiness away from the public eye. In a statement, 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.” Director Oliver Hirschbiegel also expressed his excitement over the casting. “I am delighted,” he said, “to have such a truly exceptional actress who embodies the warmth, humanity, and empathy of such a global icon as Princess Diana.”

But even though everyone involved with the film seems pretty psyched about Watts, it appears that she actually wasn’t their first choice. It was reported back in November that Jessica Chastain, Oscar nominee for her role in The Help, was attached to the role.

As much as I like Jessica Chastain, I think the powers-that-be over at Caught in Flight made a great decision in ultimately going with Watts. She’s 43-years-old but thanks to the magic of Hollywood, she looks around 36 (the age Princess Diana was at the time of her death). Chastain doesn’t look a day over 30. And whereas Chastain is American, Watts was born in England and lived there until she was 14. So she’s got the whole English thing going for her, too.

Caught in Flight is set to open in theaters next year -- do you think you'll go see it?

Photo Courtesy of Pacific Coast News