Rex USA, Getty ImagesWell, this is news we didn't expect.
And with rumors swirling about the possibility of three Princess Diana biopics, we weren't surprised to hear the lovely Naomi Watts has officially been cast in a role.
Only problem? We assumed Naomi would star in one of the yet-to-be-cast biopics, and not the part Jessica Chastain had previously claimed.
Oh wait…
While Jessica Chastain was set to star as Princess Diana in Caught in Flight—the biopic based on Diana's relationship with heart surgeon Dr. Hasnet Kahn—it seems Naomi Watts has replaced her in the flick.
And to be honest, we're fairly shocked, considering Jessica gushed over the part while shooting her 2012 Vanity Fair Hollywood cover:
"I'm going to play Princess Diana…I'm so inspired by her," Jessica recently dished about the part.
So what the heck happened in this Diana biopic battle? We were so excited to see Jess take on the role, and while there's no denying Naomi will make a beautiful Di, we have to wonder why J.C. won't be doing it?
Calls to Jessica's rep have not yet been returned.
As for Naomi? Gal has officially confirmed her role to us:
"It is such an honor to be able to play this iconic role," Watts issued in a statement. "Princess Diana was loved across the world and I look forward to rising to the challenge of playing her on screen."
But how do we think the babe will fair?
Pretty well, considering the resemblance of the two beauties, plus the timeline fits—Naomi is 43 and the film follows Diana in her mid thirties. But what's the real reason that could explain Naomi's rise to royalty?
Some speculate it's that N's got the British (and, of course, Australian) factor, which we can't help but note, Jessica does not. But that can always be faked, right?!
Just ask Meryl Streep!
So, what say you Awful readers? Are you super bummed Jessica won't be starring in the role? And how do you think Naomi will fair? Sound off below!