Not many people realize just how much Princess Diana’s life and tragic death affected the world. She became an icon and eventually had movies made about her. That’s right, movies, as in multiple instances. One of those films is set to release in 2021, with Kristen Stewart as Lady Di. But before we get to see that fabulous incarnation, let’s take a look at some of the earlier versions.
1. Serena Scott-Thomas — “Diana: Her True Story” (1993)
Diana: Her True Story was released on NBC in 1993 and almost went unnoticed. This could be because the royal family’s real-life drama wasn’t much more interesting than any movie. Or maybe it was because the only thing in common Serena had with Diana was the lifeless stare.
2. Naomi Watts — “Diana: A Love Story” (2013)
Her wardrobe, hair, and makeup were carefully chosen to make Naomi resemble Diana as much as possible, but the actress did not pull her weight in this movie. Some reviewers even said that Wesley Snipes wearing a blonde wig would have been a better fit for this role. But I somehow doubt that.
3. Emma Corrin — “The Crown” (2020)
Emma is only 24 years old, but her age may have actually helped her beat the competitors for the role of Princess Diana in the fourth and fifth seasons of “The Crown.” Looking at Emma’s photos as Diana, the first thing you’ll notice is the makeup and hair. MUA and stylists have managed to achieve a striking similarity.
4. Genevieve O’Reilly — “Diana: The Last Days of the Princess” (2007)
This movie about Princess Diana was not a big box-office hit, but it wasn’t horrible either. Some reviews even called it deep and praised Genevieve O’Reilly’s acting skills. And while this role was not the big breakthrough Genevieve was hoping for, the actress continues to appear in other projects.
5. Julie Cox — “Princess in Love” (1996)
Julie played Princess Diana before the accident. The 1996 TV movie Princess In Love featured an affair between Diana and British officer James Hewitt. According to rumors, the relationship between Diana and James lasted five years. Julie’s biggest distinctive trait was the color of her hair, which she refused to dye for some reason. But even with that, the actress looked eerily similar to Diana.
6. Elizabeth Debicki — “The Crown”
Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki will take over from Emma Corrin and play Diana in The Crown’s final seasons. The plot details are still kept secret, but it is known that the script will cover the 90s, so Elizabeth will have to play the princess during the most difficult period of her life. And the ending will probably not be that happy.
7. Kristen Stewart — “Spencer” (2021)
Chilean director Pablo Larrain decided to shoot a film about three pivotal days in Princess Diana’s life. He focused on a short period in the early 1990s when Lady Dee finally decided to divorce Prince Charles. A lot of movie snobs still can’t forget and forgive Kristen for the Twilight Saga, but the director is confident in his casting decision. And after seeing the first shots, I have to say she looks amazing!
