Why Kristen Stewart Says Playing Princess Diana Was Daunting

Kristen Stewart's portrayal of the late Princess Diana is one of the most hotly-anticipated big screen performances of 2021 and is already generating a serious amount of Oscar buzz (via Pop Buzz). 

The Pablo Larraín-directed film is set over three days at the royal family's Sandringham Estate in the December of 1991 and delves into the late Princess of Wales' struggles with her marriage to Prince Charles, an eating disorder and self-harm.

In an official press release, Stewart described "Spencer" and being a "dive inside an emotional imagining of who Diana was at a pivotal turning point in her life." The actress added, "It is a physical assertion of the sum of her parts, which starts with her given name; Spencer. It is a harrowing effort for her to return to herself, as Diana strives to hold onto what the name Spencer means to her" (via Harpers Bazaar).

But, what did Stewart find most daunting about playing the role of Princess Diana?

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If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

Speaking to Extra at the movie's Los Angeles premiere on Tuesday, Oct. 27, the "Twilight" star opened up about taking on the role of Diana, revealing the most daunting part of portraying such a beloved figure.

"I'm not the only one that looks at pictures and videos of her and goes 'do I want to be her daughter, or her best friend? Or maybe I want to date her?'" Stewart added, "Yes, she's very famous, but I think playing someone that everyone loved so much was the most daunting thing."

During the interview, Stewart was also asked whether or not she remembered the tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997, at which time the actress was just 7 years old. "I do remember the flowers in front of Buckingham Palace ... I remember the emotion in the air ... I had a very vague and general idea about her. But what I knew very surely was she was coveted and loved and she left this gaping hole when she left," Stewart commented.