Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Prince William: Actors with British-only passports ‘barred’ from playing royal in Princess Diana film due to Brexit

New casting call states only European passport holders will be permitted to audition

Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 27 November 2020 05:13 EST
Comments
The Crown season 4 trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Update: Producer Paul Webster has denied that British passport holders are barred from auditioning for the Prince William role – read more here

Brexit will prevent British actors from being able to audition to play Prince William in a new UK-set biopic.

A casting notice for the new drama, in which Kristen Stewart will play Princess Diana, has stated that those holding British-only passports will be unable to apply for the film.

Directed by Jackie's Pablo Larraín, Spencer is scheduled to begin shooting in Germany from early 2021 – just after the UK leaves the EU in January.

Parents of young actors applying to play an 11-year-old Prince William will need to prove that their children owns a European passport in order to register interest.

Spencer's casting director, Amy Hubbard, clarified the stipulation on Twitter, writing: “It's common on films that the passport for significant characters needs to match that of the financiers.”

Speaking about her role in the new film, Stewart admitted that getting to grips with Princess Diana’s accent has been an “intimidating” prospect.

She said she has been doing extensive research in order to know her “implicitly”, telling InStyle: "I haven’t been this excited about playing a part, by the way, in so long.”

The film has been written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

Princess Diana is currently portrayed in hit Netflix drama The Crown. She is played by Emma Corrin.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in