A photo taken from the set of The Crown gives fans the first glimpse of actress Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana. The Australian actress is known for her roles in The Great Gatsby, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and Tenet. She enters season 5 of the critically acclaimed Netflix series, replacing Emma Corrin who first portrayed Lady Diana Spencer before she joined the royal family up to her fairytale wedding and early marital woes. Viewers of the historical drama will see Debicki step into the role as the older and more mature Princess of Wales.
The Crown revolves around the drama among royal family members and the events of Britain's political scene during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Season 5 is set in the early 1990s and will center around Prime Minister John Major's term. The upcoming season will see a new batch of veteran actors including Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth and Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip. Jonny Lee Miller joins the cast as Prime Minister Major after Gillian Anderson's astounding performance as Margaret Thatcher.
As The Crown begins filming for season 5, a recent set photo acquired by People shows Debicki's amazing transformation as Princess Diana. The 30-year-old actress was spotted in character while filming in Scotland. Debicki wore a navy blue blazer and loose jeans, a signature casual look of the late princess. Also with her are two young actors playing dressed in matching striped shirts who are clearly cast as Prince William and Prince Harry. The photo, taken from afar, reveals Debicki's uncanny resemblance to Princess Diana and could easily pass as a paparazzi shot straight from the 90s.
The Crown is set to conclude by its sixth season as the Queen steps into the 21st century. The upcoming season 5, its penultimate installment, is a crucial turning point for all the characters. It will dramatize the dissolution of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage, their scandalous divorce, and the princess' untimely death in 1997. These events will shape the monarchy's future and surely make for one exciting season.
While The Crown introduced Princess Diana as a timid, wide-eyed teenager in season 4, Debicki's portrayal will be pivotal to the drama's storyline. She will depict the princess as she slowly realizes her strength and power. With Corrin's well-received performance in the previous season, Debicki will definitely have some big shoes to fill. It's not easy to play such an iconic real-life figure, but based on her first look as the beloved princess, Debicki seems to be up for the challenge.
Source: People