I'm terrified at playing Princess Di role, admits Naomi

Leanne Rinne

KING Kong star Naomi Watts says she is "absolutely terrified" about playing the role of Princess Diana in a new film portraying the last two years of her life.

Caught In Flight is set to explore Diana's relationship with heart surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan and her tragic death in August 1997.

Watts said: "She is a part of our history, an incredible woman and fascinating but a tragic ending. The filmmakers came to me and it's a good script and it's very scary and I kind of wanted to say no but I couldn't."

The British-born actress said she grew up watching Diana and taking on the new role, to be filmed in the UK later this year, will be "tough".

"It's kind of impressive how she sort of changed the whole gearing of the tradition of the royal family and opened it up and brought warmth to it," she said.

"Now I'm doing all the research and there is so much to read, I just hope we make a good film and people can learn something new about her that's interesting. It's going to be a tough one, it's a big beast to take on, I just try to do my best."

Watts, who has two young sons with Scream star Liev Schreiber, said she would love to work with her partner in the future.

"He is a brilliant actor and I'm completely inspired by him so yes I'd love to work with him and it would make life a lot easier."

hnews@herald.ie