The first photos of Naomi Watts in her role as Princess Diana for the new movie Caught in Flight show the Australian actress bears a haunting resemblance to "the people's princess".

Photos of the dramatic makeover have emerged online and show Watts has had her long locks trimmed into Diana's trademark blonde bob. They also show the Australian bears an uncanny resemblance to the British royal by adopting her famous doe-eyed facial expression and shy smile.

In one photo Watts is dressed in a long, silver ball gown, Diana's trademark pearl earrings and a diamond necklace. In another photo, the actress is dressed more casually in a white T-shirt and navy blazer.

Caught in Flight, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, is about the last two years of Diana's life before her death in Paris in 1997. It focuses on her relationships with heart surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan and Dodi Fayed and will include her death at the age of 36 in a Paris car crash.

When Watts was cast, Hirschbiegel said of his leading lady: "I am delighted to have such a truly exceptional actress who embodies the warmth, humanity, and empathy of such a global icon as Princess Diana."

Speaking about the role to the Press Association earlier this year, Watts admitted the new role would be tough. "She (Diana) 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."

Watts added: "I saw the wedding and everything and she is a very inspiring woman and 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."

- AAP

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