Uncanny First Pics Of Naomi Watts As Princess Diana In Oliver Hirschbiegel's 'Caught In Flight'

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by Kevin Jagernauth
July 2, 2012 9:02 AM
14 Comments

Although the role was originally tipped for Jessica Chastain -- who we love -- it would seem that her subsequent replacement, Naomi Watts, is proving to be the perfect fit for "Caught In Flight." It looks like lensing has begun on the film, the first set pic has dropped, and yeah, Watts is dead ringer for Princess Diana, in a film that will surely draw attention and perhaps some controversy.

Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel ("Downfall," "Five Minutes Of Heaven") and written by Steven Jeffreys ("The Libertine"), the film will focus on Diana's affair with Dr. Hasnat Kahn (played by "Lost" star Naveen Andrews) that lasted from 1995 until a few months before her death in 1997. He was regarded by many to be the love of her life, and she was said to be devastated when the relationship was over, with some speculating that she dated Dodi Fayed in order to make him jealous. And, the script will play into that, reportedly portraying the Princess "as a damaged person who stalks the doctor after he ends the affair."

No word yet on if any other royal figures will be seen in the film, but undoubtedly faithful followers of the royal family will be waiting to see just how "Caught In Flight" portrays Diana, particularly in what would be her last days. No stateside distributor or release date yet, but all those pieces should come together in due course. [Kinopoisk/WWTDD]

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Viola | July 13, 2012 7:15 PMReply

People keep saying that Naomi Watts is a "dead ringer" for Diana and I feel like I've stepped into the Twilight Zone. She is wrong for this part in every way. She doesn't have that classy dignity. The bone structure and particularly the nose are way off. Watts looks like the singing telegram version of a Diana. Chastain would have been a "dead ringer." Her face is so similar. And she has that exquisite innocence that Diana exuded until her death. They made a colossal mistake in re-casting this role. They had the perfect actress. Such a shame.
Dave | April 29, 2013 6:49 AM

No. Jessica Chastain is a even worse choice as Princess Di if you talk about resemblance.
Peter Campbell | July 3, 2012 7:38 AMReply

Search Amazon for "Princess Diana The Day She Didn't Die."

It's a fantastic read and no doubt the next big film after this one
mm | July 2, 2012 6:26 PMReply

Jessica Chastain is the best actress I've seen in past 20 years. DEFINETLY not over-rated, and I really cannot see what makes her a starlet. She's the most genuine person in Hollywood, and besides that, acting is all she cares for, her dedication is remarkable, and very rare in modern era of actresses... Too shame she didn't take this one though
Dave | April 29, 2013 6:53 AM

Seriously the best actress I've seen in past 20 years? I wonder how many films did you see. She is decent and versatile but what great film she has in her belt?
Watts at least has Mulholland Dr., which named as one of the best film ever made in sight & sound.
Zee | July 2, 2012 12:37 PMReply

(1) Wayne Gretzky look-a-like aka Diana is a silly subject to make a film about.
(2) Ms. Watts has always been a decent but over-rated actress so it will be interesting to see if she can pull off simpering and bipolar convincingly.
(3) The best part about this project is who is NOT in it. And that would be the even more over-rated Ms. Chastain. Her 15 minutes are counting down and I cannot wait until they're up.
steandric | July 2, 2012 11:39 AMReply

Who the hell is Jessica Chastain ? Some starlet who hasn't even earned any acting chop that can be compared to Watts'. Chastain in this role is so far only a"rumor", let alone saying Watts is her replacement.
Zee | July 2, 2012 12:43 PM

Chastain is insanely over-rated.
Casey | July 2, 2012 12:07 PM

Watts might have a few more notable film roles under her belt, but they are one for one in Oscar nominations. Chastain is breath-taking in Tree of Life, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in The Help... which, if you're commenting on films, is surprising you haven't seen either of them, considering they are recent and relevant (unlike Watts's catalog of work.)
Geans | July 2, 2012 12:06 PM

Aw man, they don't have Google where you live? Bummer.
david | July 2, 2012 11:53 AM

How does one "earn any acting chop?"
PP | July 2, 2012 11:46 AM

Watts hasn't been in anything that was even semi-relevant in at least 5 years.
C | July 2, 2012 10:49 AMReply

It was such a shame to see Jessica Chastain leave this role. Talk about a dead ringer! Watts, eh - not so much.
Jesse | July 2, 2012 10:16 AMReply

I think she'll win the Oscar for this one.
Mirren got it for playing Queen Elizabeth, Streep for playing Thatcher, which shows the Academy just can't get enough of the British ruling class.
By the way she was snubbed for Mulholland Drive, King Kong, The Painted Veil and maybe even Mother and Child, so she's very much "due".