Naomi Watts to play Princess Diana

Naomi Watts will play Princess Diana in a new film about the last years of Lady D's royal life 

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It is directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, best known for his film about Hitler's last days, Downfall.

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

Watts will thus continue the tradition of making epic films about outstanding personas. Michelle Williams has recently played Marilyn Monroe

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

Meryl Streep played Margareth Thatcher 

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

The Australia-raised Watts, who received an Academy Award nomination for 21 Grams, said she was honoured to get the role.

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

Filming will begin later this year.

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

All photos: Splash/All Over Press

All photos: Splash/All Over Press