Naomi Watts Opens Up About Starring in a Doomed Biopic
Naomi Watts candidly discusses her role in the ill-fated film Diana, revealing how she sensed early on that the project was headed for disaster, but chose to see it through despite the mounting criticism.
Sometimes, being part of a movie that just doesn’t land is a tough pill to swallow—especially when you’re not just watching from the audience, but actually starring in it. For actors, there’s always a leap of faith when signing onto a new project. Even with the best intentions and hard work, some things are simply out of your hands. A weak script can sink even the most promising film.
Naomi Watts has delivered some truly memorable performances, with her standout role in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive showcasing her incredible range. She played both a hopeful newcomer and a tormented, guilt-ridden actress, earning widespread acclaim. But even the most talented stars have their missteps, and for Watts, one particular choice a decade later led to a Razzie nomination.
Taking on an Iconic Role
It’s hard to imagine the same actress who shined in Mulholland Drive could also be recognized for one of the worst performances of the year, but that’s what happened when Watts took on the role of Princess Diana in 2013. The film, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, was met with harsh criticism from all sides. Every aspect of the production was picked apart, and not even Watts’ dedication could save it. She later admitted she realized early on that the project was in trouble, but she stuck with it, bracing herself for the inevitable backlash.
By the time she recognized the film’s issues, it was too late to walk away. She was already committed to portraying the beloved ‘People’s Princess,’ a figure who captivated the world after marrying into the British royal family in 1981 and whose tragic death in 1997 left a lasting impact. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Watts reflected on her decision:
“I got seduced by the fantastic character. Diana did a lot of things that had positive and negative results. She was multifaceted.”
Weathering the Storm
Watts went on to say,
“Ultimately there were problems and it ended up taking a direction that was not the one I was hoping for. With risk, there is every chance it’s going to fail. If you have to go down with that sinking ship, so be it.”
Like a captain refusing to abandon ship, she stayed the course, even as the film’s fate became clear. That same year, she also appeared in the critically panned Movie 43, making 2013 a particularly rough patch in her career. But she quickly bounced back, landing a role in the Oscar- winning Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) in 2014.
Taking on Diana was a gamble Watts was willing to make, even though it didn’t pay off. That’s just the way things go in Hollywood —uncertainty is part of the game, and sometimes, no matter how much you give, a flawed script and poor direction can drag the whole project down.