The Untold Stories: Elizabeth Debicki's Transformative Journey as Princess Diana on ‘The Crown’

Elizabeth Debicki, the second actress to portray Princess Diana on The Crown, has expressed her solemn commitment to respectfully embody the late royal. Taking over the role from Emma Corrin, who portrayed the Princess of Wales in season 4 of the Netflix series, Debicki's performance will capture the period of Diana's life when she met and married King Charles III, concluding in 1990 as their marriage began to deteriorate.

Season 5 of the show introduces a fresh cast with Imelda Staunton taking over the role of Queen Elizabeth II from Olivia Colman, Jonathan Pryce replacing Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, and Dominic West appearing as Charles after Josh O’Connor's portrayal in seasons 3 and 4. Although the series is not set to explore Diana's death until season 6, the upcoming episodes have already sparked controversy among viewers who are concerned about the show's portrayal of the royal family. Scheduled for a November 2022 premiere, season 5 will mark the show's first return since the passing of Elizabeth two months earlier.

After receiving criticism from Judi Dench, who described the new season as "completely inaccurate," Netflix was urged to include a disclaimer highlighting the fictionalized nature of the show. In an open letter to The Times in October 2022, the Oscar winner expressed concern over the show's tendency to blur the boundaries between historical accuracy and sensationalism, particularly as the storyline approaches more recent times. Dench, a strong advocate for artistic freedom, emphasized the need to address this issue. In response to the backlash, Netflix took steps to address the concerns by adding a clarifying statement to the season 5 trailer on YouTube and the official web page of the show. The statement emphasized that the series is inspired by real events, but is ultimately a fictional dramatization that explores Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the various political and personal events that influenced it.

Debicki has expressed her admiration for creator and showrunner Peter Morgan, stating that he has approached the royal family's story with great respect. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in October 2022, the Widows star emphasized the extensive amount of research, care, conversations, and dialogue that went into the show, which might go unnoticed by viewers. From her very first meeting with Peter, she realized that the show was being handled in a serious and deeply caring manner. This has been her personal experience with the show.

Credit: James Veysey/Shutterstock

Everything Elizabeth Debicki Has Said About Playing Princess Diana on 'The Crown'

Elizabeth Debicki embraces the solemn responsibility of portraying Princess Diana on The Crown, emphasizing the utmost importance of respectfully honoring the memory of the late royal.

The role of the Princess of Wales in season 5 of the Netflix series has been taken over by The Tenet actress. She replaces Emma Corrin, who portrayed the character in season 4. In this new season, the focus is on the period when Diana meets and marries King Charles III. The season concludes in 1990, depicting the unraveling of their marriage. Season 5 begins in 1991, introducing several new faces in the lead roles. Imelda Staunton replaces Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II, Jonathan Pryce takes over from Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, and Dominic West appears as Charles, succeeding Josh O'Connor's portrayal in seasons 3 and 4.

Judi Dench criticized the upcoming season of the show, calling it "completely inaccurate" and urging Netflix to include a disclaimer clarifying that it is a work of fiction. In an open letter to The Times, Dench expressed concern about the show's tendency to blur the boundaries between historical accuracy and sensationalism as it approaches more recent events. She emphasized the importance of challenging this portrayal while also acknowledging the value of artistic freedom.

Netflix responded to the criticism by including a clarifying statement in the season 5 trailer on YouTube and their official website. The statement acknowledged that the show is a fictional dramatization inspired by real events, focusing on Queen Elizabeth II and the significant political and personal moments that influenced her reign.

Debicki expressed her admiration for creator and showrunner Peter Morgan, commending his respectful approach in telling the story of the royal family. She emphasized the extensive research, care, conversations, and dialogue that went into the production, which may go unnoticed by viewers. According to the Widows star, her initial meeting with Peter Morgan made it clear that the show was treated with utmost seriousness and deep care, leaving her with a positive experience.

Keep scrolling for everything Debicki has said about playing the late royal:

Credit: Keith Bernstein

An Overwhelming Task

"When Peter Morgan approached me with the opportunity, I must admit I felt a wave of emotions. However, after taking some time to process it, I have become more and more enthusiastic," Debicki expressed during a September 2020 appearance on Good Morning America. "I truly believe that this role is an immense privilege, considering the significant impact she had. She was an extraordinary individual, and the prospect of stepping into her shoes is both intimidating and exhilarating."

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

The Meaning of Diana

"She possesses a symbolic quality, almost like a mythical figure. I am gradually realizing the depth of her existence and her enduring presence in the collective consciousness," shared the star of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 with Modern Luxury Manhattan in October 2020. "It's remarkable that starting from the age of 7, I would remember someone who had no direct impact on my life as a child growing up in Australia. Yet, I was keenly aware of her influence in the world. I recall seeing her face on magazine covers. My mother, along with many women of her generation, closely followed her. She captivated my mother because she represented something profoundly human and symbolic."

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

The Disclaimer Debate

After the debate surrounding The Crown's classification as "fictionalized," Debicki expressed her hope that the introduction of the new disclaimer would bring an end to the ongoing discussion about the show's accuracy. In an interview with Radio Times in October 2022, the Great Gatsby actress stated, "It has always been evident to me that the events that occur behind closed doors are unknowable, and that a writer's interpretation of what might have transpired is what we witness." Debicki further added, "Now that the disclaimer is prominently displayed, perhaps we can cease discussing this matter and focus on the artistic endeavor itself or the essence of the show."

Credit: Keith Bernstein

Handled With Care

"I must commend Peter and the entire crew for their unwavering dedication in approaching every aspect of this project with sensitivity, authenticity, and complexity, much like the actors," expressed the Night Manager alum in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in October 2022. "The extensive research, meticulous attention, and engaging conversations that take place behind the scenes, which may go unnoticed by viewers, are truly remarkable. Right from my initial meeting with Peter, I could sense the profound commitment and genuine care with which this production is treated. This has been my personal experience of being part of the show."

Credit: Keith Bernstein

The Revenge Dress

Debicki had the opportunity to don a replica of Diana's iconic "revenge dress" for one episode in season 5. As soon as her role was announced, people were captivated by the dress and bombarded her with inquiries. Reflecting on this in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in October 2022, Debicki shared, "I was fascinated by how entranced people were with that dress. Alongside the congratulations, I received numerous text messages solely focused on the revenge dress. 'Will you be wearing it?' 'Oh my God, you get to wear the revenge dress!'"

When Debicki finally slipped into the costume, she understood the fascination. Describing the experience, she expressed, "It held immense significance and wielded a certain power. As an actor, it stirred something within me that I can't quite put into words. It's remarkable that a dress can symbolize a moment in history, or that a person's life can embody so much and become an icon. It was truly a monumental day on set for me!"

Credit: Keith Bernstein

The 1st Day

During an interview with Radio Times in October 2022, the Australian actress expressed her initial apprehension on the first day of shooting. She vividly recalled the surreal experience of stepping onto the set, feeling a slow sense of realization that this was indeed happening. As the cameras started rolling, she couldn't help but think, "It's really happening. I'm actually doing this." However, she found solace in the fact that the production team, who had been in the industry for years, provided a strong support system. They reassured her that feeling overwhelmed was completely normal and that it would take time to adjust. Eventually, she, along with the rest of the cast, found their footing and embraced the journey.

Credit: Keith Bernstein

'Tragedy Is Looming'

Debicki reflected on the unique experience of portraying Diana, especially considering the tragic events that unfolded in her real life. She described it as a strange and heavy place to exist in. During an interview on the "Awards Circuit" podcast with Variety, Debicki expressed a sense of relief upon receiving the script, as showrunner Peter Morgan had already navigated through the extensive information and crafted a clear pathway for her to follow.

She expressed her dedication to perfecting her accent as Diana in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, emphasizing the importance of sonic accuracy for the audience. Recognizing the iconic status of the character's voice, she felt a responsibility to do it justice.