Before Elizabeth Debicki, Emma Corrin played the role of Princess Diana in the acclaimed historical drama series, The Crown.
Portraying Princess Diana in The Crown
The portrayal of Princess Diana across different stages of her life in The Crown required a thoughtful casting approach. Initially, the series introduced audiences to a younger Princess Diana through Emma Corrin's compelling performance. Corrin was widely praised for capturing the innocence, shyness, and burgeoning public presence of Diana during her early years and marriage to Prince Charles.
As the narrative of the series progressed into later decades of Diana's life, depicting her through the 1990s, a casting change was deemed necessary to reflect the character's increasing maturity and complex public persona. The production team recognized that Corrin, while acclaimed for her portrayal of a younger Diana, was not suited to depict the character in her later years. Consequently, Elizabeth Debicki was cast to portray an older Princess Diana, a role for which she earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in season five. This strategic casting ensured a seamless and age-appropriate transition for one of the series' most pivotal characters.
Key Actresses as Princess Diana in The Crown
The following table outlines the actresses who have taken on the iconic role of Princess Diana within The Crown:
| Actress | Role | Seasons/Era Represented |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Corrin | Princess Diana | Seasons 3–4 (younger years) |
| Elizabeth Debicki | Princess Diana | Seasons 5–6 (later years) |
This deliberate casting progression allowed the series to accurately depict Princess Diana's evolution from a young woman navigating royal life to a global icon.
