Netflix names actor to play Diana in The Crown

Intense interest has followed who would play the ill-fated Princess Diana in the popular series. Photo / Supplied

The Crown has found its Princess Diana.

Elizabeth Debicki will play the Princess of Wales in seasons five and six of The Crown, the Netflix series announced Sunday.

Actress Elizabeth Debicki at the premiere of the film The Burnt Orange Heresy at the 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival. AP Photo / Joel C Ryan, Invision

Debicki will join a new cast for the series which includes Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth and Lesley Manville as Princess Margaret. Staunton succeeds Olivia Colman and Claire Foy in the role.

Elizabeth Debicki will play Princess Diana in the final two seasons of The Crown (Seasons 5 and 6). pic.twitter.com/Z3CjHuJ56B

— The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) August 16, 2020

Emma Corrin is playing Diana on the drama's upcoming fourth season, but Debicki will take on the part for what's sure to be the character's most dramatic chapters. Seasons five and six are expected to be the show's final seasons. No premiere date of season four has yet been announced.

"Princess Diana's spirit, her words and her actions live in the hearts of so many," Debicki said on Twitter. "It is my true privilege and honor to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one."

Debicki, a 29-year-old Australian actress, is seen as a rising star after breakout performances in Steve McQueen's Widows. She also stars in Christopher Nolan's upcoming thriller Tenet.

- AP