LONDON (AP) — Producers say Naomi Watts will play Princess Diana in a film about the last years of the royal’s life.

Britain’s Ecosse Films says “Caught in Flight” will focus on the two years before Diana’s death in a Paris car crash in August 1997. It is directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, best known for his film about Hitler’s last days, “Downfall.” The screenplay is by Stephen Jeffreys, who penned “The Libertine”.

Filmmakers said Thursday the biopic “charts how finding true personal happiness for the first time” allowed Diana to find her role as “a major international campaigner 
and humanitarian.”

The Australia-raised Watts, who received an Academy Award nomination for “21 Grams,” said she was honoured to get the role. Filming will begin later this year.

Caught In Flight is not the only biopic of Princess Diana in production; a film adaptation of the biography Closely Guarded Secret, written by the princess’ bodyguard Ken Wharfe, will be adapted by Stephen Evans, with rumours that South African actress Charlize Theron will portray Diana.

However, the Monster actress faces competition from British actresses, including Kiera Knightley and Carey Mulligan; Scarlett Johansson is also said to be interested in the part.

Caught In Flight is certainly not the only biopic about a British historical figure – Pride and Prejudice actor Colin Firth starred as King George VI in The King’s Speech, while American actress Meryl Streep caused controversy in the UK when she was chosen to portray former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The
 Iron Lady.