Keira Knightley to Play Princess Diana?
Filed under: Drama, Casting, Cannes, RumorMonger
It might be the strangest description I've ever heard, but right now they're calling this one "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid meets Snow White." Apparently, a new book about Princess Diana was all the rage in Cannes last week, sparking an all-out, balls-to-the-wall bidding war with plenty of folks (including Paramount, who is said to be "desperate for the rights") itching for some of what got Helen Mirren that Oscar. Diana and the Paparazzi, according to its cover, reveals "the true stories we have never dared tell, until now ... " Dun Dun Dun! And, as the title of this post suggests, Keira Knightley's name is currently circling atop everyone's wishlist. That said, this is tough ground to cover as it's so easy to fall into made-for-TV territory; a fear a lot of critics (including me) had when first sitting down to watch The Queen. Thus, pic's cast will depend heavily upon who ultimately ends up with the rights, as well as who decides to step behind the camera.
The only one talking the film up to the press has been producer Quentin Reynolds, whose only producing credit to date was as an exec producer on the ultra campy horror flick Evil Aliens. Um, yeah. Said to be among those bidding for the project, Reynolds notes: "Already the word in Hollywood is 'get Knightley!' It's a story that has everything; pathos, tragedy, comedy, adventure ... and Princess Diana. For every pound The Queen makes, a film about Diana would make 10." Really? I don't know if I'd go that far; The Queen made most of its money based off Mirren's Oscar-winning performance. Sure, Peter Morgan's script was exceptional and Stephen Frears always does good work behind the camera, but Mirren enticed people into buying tickets. In order for Diana and the Paparazzi to do the same, it would have to include Knightley (or someone of her caliber). End of story. But even with Knightley, do we even want another Diane-esque soap opera to hit the big screen? Maybe this kind of stuff is like crack for those across the pond, but here in the states the subject is beginning to feel a little played out. What do you think?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
5-29-2007 @ 1:02PM
bgdc said...
Waste of time. Bad casting too. Knightley is simply stunning; diana was plain as the day is long.
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5-29-2007 @ 11:02PM
liya said...
It doesn't sound horrible, as they as they use an English actress. Keira Knightley's a good actress, and Emily Blunt would be a great choice too.
I just don't want to see an American actress play Diana. Even talented American actresses can screw up British accents. Scarlett Johannson's accent in The Prestige was terrible, and I cringed at the news of her playing both Mary Boleyn and Mary, Queen of Scots. And according to a review here, Anne Hathaway wasn't too good as Jane Austen. Even Natalie Portman has a better chance of playing Anne Boleyn successfully if she's worked on her accent since V for Vendetta.
Let's leave the British historical icons to their own people for a while. That's all I'm saying.
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5-29-2007 @ 11:06PM
bgdc said...
liya, the actress' origins have zero to do with the ability of the actress to pull off a role. Renee Zellwegger may be annoying as hell but her Bridget Jones was pitch perfect. She's from Texas...obviously with the proper training and some skill a good actor can be anything.
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5-30-2007 @ 11:32AM
liya said...
I thought of her, too, but for every Bridget Jones, there are so many failures. Besides, it's more about the idea that someone beloved to their people should be played one of them. It's more of a symbolic thing.
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5-30-2007 @ 5:38PM
Serena said...
I actually think that a movie about Princess Diana is a great idea. No, it has not been played out too much in the states, the truth is, this would do justice for Diana. Keira Knightley IS the best to portray Diana. She is very talented and beautiful.
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5-31-2007 @ 3:24AM
Diane said...
With all the British and Aussie actors coming and taking up the American rolls on TV and movies (why is that?), why not use an American actress?
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5-30-2007 @ 3:24PM
Bird said...
Diana was ANYTHING but "Plain"
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5-30-2007 @ 3:05PM
Jack said...
I was amazed looking at the photo of Ms. Knightley posted with this article. It's all in the mouth and I feel she could look stunningly like Diana with the right makeup/hair etc. Since so much depends on the right casting, I'd say we have a good start here.
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5-30-2007 @ 3:12PM
jack said...
Also, Ms. Knightley is tall and has the aristocratic bearing neccessary. (No cute, petite actresses need apply.) Acting tip for Keira: Just slouch a little pre-divorce and stand up gloriously straight when on your own. It's a cinch.
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5-30-2007 @ 3:50PM
The Truth said...
A better choice would be Natalie Portman - she has the appearance and intelligence to play the part with more of a common touch like Dianna had...
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5-30-2007 @ 3:52PM
Opportunist said...
Hey, this is Hollywood - I've seen even the most stunning actresses look plain with a little help...
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6-27-2007 @ 9:06PM
Andi said...
i dont think she should play this part! she should stick to PIRATES!....I DONT KNOW ANYONE ELSE THAT COULD PLAY THE PIRATES PART AS WELL AS HER OR REPLACE HER......SHE MAKES PIRATES AMAZING!
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5-30-2007 @ 4:39PM
April Joines said...
Kiera Knightley is a great actress, a strong and intelligent lady. She would do a wonderful job and would be happy to see her play the part she is perfect for the role, sounds good.
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5-30-2007 @ 4:32PM
marcia said...
I don't feel we need to relive Diana's life, it just is harmful to the family and the nation.
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5-30-2007 @ 4:38PM
ericsmusclecars said...
I admired Princess Diana and thought she was very attractive, they will definetly have to dress Keira down....she is white hot !!
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5-30-2007 @ 4:58PM
Mer said...
Shouldn't cast Keira. She won't want to gain the weight to play Diana.
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5-30-2007 @ 5:03PM
Melissa said...
I can't imagine anyone less suited.
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5-30-2007 @ 5:05PM
Lisa said...
I think Keira Knightley is a wonderful choice ... now, cast Hugh Laurie as Prince Philip, and you may have yourself a movie!
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5-30-2007 @ 5:09PM
Eileen Sullivan said...
I think Kiera Knightley would be perfect for the part, Hello, did anyone see her in Pride and Predjudice, she is a lot more than a pirate, she was terrific in King Arthur, too. Why not a Diana movie? A real movie not a made for TV soap job.
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5-30-2007 @ 7:44PM
Kim said...
I think she would be a splendid choice. I've loved her in everything I've seen her in.. especially Pride & Prejudice.
I would love to see a film on Diana.. if it's done right. However, I do see the downsides to taking on such a venture... 1) on the heels of Helen Mirren...ouch, that would be a tough haul.
2) The Queen was finally a more personal look at Her Majesty, that we hadn't had before
3) Diana's stories have been done to death... and not very well.
I love her and would personally watch a good film about her.. but not sure if it could grab the masses.. no matter what side of the pond you're on.
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