Kristen Stewartmakes a stunning and believable transformation into a youngDiana Spencerin the first image fromPablo Larraín’sSpencer. This exciting first look has been shared by Neon, the studio behindSpencer, as filming on the period drama begins. TheSpencerscript was penned bySteven Knight(ofPeaky BlindersandSerenitynotoriety). The story will take place over the course of the Christmas holidays wherein Diana decides to officially end her marriage toPrince Charles. Stewart’s casting as Diana was also a buzzy bit of newsback when it was announcedin June 2020. Stewart is notably the first American actor tackling a Diana depiction in movies and TV, which makes imagining her interpretation of Diana all the more fun to think about. Stewart also understands the pressures of public scrutiny, like this movie’s subject, which should also add interesting shades to her performance.
In addition to an official image of Stewart as Diana, Neon has offered up new casting details.Timothy Spall(The King’s Speech),Sally Hawkins(The Shape of Water), andSean Harris(Mission: Impossible - Fallout)have been cast but it is unclear who they will be playing. Additionally, the studio has shared an official synopsis for the movie. It reads:
“December, 1991: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ marriage has long since grown cold. Though rumours of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. This year, things will be a whole lot different.”
Stewart also shared an official statement onSpencerand the story she and the rest of the cast will be bringing to life under Larraín’s direction. Per Stewart, “Spenceris a dive inside an emotional imagining of who Diana was at a pivotal turning point in her life. It is a physical assertion of the sum of her parts, which starts with her given name: Spencer. It is a harrowing effort for her to return to herself, as Diana strives to hold onto what the name Spencer means to her.”
TheSpencerversion of Diana we’re going to see via Stewart’s performance is just one of a great many notable interpretations of the late philanthropist, mother, and public figure. Recently, Diana entered the scene on Netflix’sThe CrownSeason 4, withEmma Corrinplaying a young Spencer through her courtship with Prince Charles, their wedding, the rocky years of their marriage, and ending with Diana resolving to leave that marriage by Christmas 1991. Season 5 will seeElizabeth Debickipick up where Corrin’s performance left off.
Spenceris currently filming and is scheduled for release some time in fall 2021. See the first image of Stewart as the late Diana Spencer below. In the meantime, check out our picks for themost anticipated movies of 2021.
