Naomi Watts As Princess Diana

The first photograph of Naomi Watts as Princess Diana has been released.

The Australian actress plays the tragic British royal - who died in a Paris car crash in 1997 - in the recently re-titled biopic 'Diana' and says she is "honored" to have been cast in the role.

Speaking from the set, Naomi said: "I'm excited and honored to be playing the role of a truly remarkable woman, who had such a positive and profound impact in so many ways."

Principal photography started this week on the movie which portrays the last two years of Princess Diana's life.

Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, it will explore the princess's relationship with the heart surgeon Hasnat Khan and her romance with Dodi Fayed, who died in the crash with her.

Ecosse Films said the movie is "a compelling portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales during the final two years of her life. It charts how finding true personal happiness allowed her to achieve her defining successes, as she evolved into a major international campaigner and humanitarian".

Ecosse Films' Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae stated: "We are very excited to be working with such a talented and creative team both in front of and behind the camera. Everyone's aim is to produce a truly insightful and compassionate study of Diana's later years."

Locations for the nine-week shoot will include Croatia, Mozambique, as well as various locations in and around London and the South of England.
The movie was previously titled 'Caught In Flight'.

Naomi Watts Rumored Next Bond Girl

James Bond bosses are lining up Naomi Watts to be a Bond girl - after being
thrilled by her performance in 'King Kong'.

The producers of new 007 film 'Casino Royale' were so impressed by the
screen beauty's portrayal of Anne Darrow in the blockbuster they now want
her to star opposite Daniel Craig - the latest actor to don the famous tux.

Eon Productions, the team behind the movie, have already contacted Watts to
offer her the role of Russian vixen Vesper Lynd and want her to perform a
screen test for the part in the New Year.

However, friends of the stunning 37-year-old star believe she may turn down
the part because of fears she could be typecast.

If she does pass on the role, Watts will be the latest actress to snub Bond
bosses.

Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson have all so far
rejected offers to appear in the new movie - leaving the production team
with less than a month to find a top female star for the movie.

(c) BANG Media International