Kristen Stewart has confessed that she continues to be profoundly affected by her portrayal of Princess Diana in the 2021 biographical drama Spencer, revealing she feels "haunted" by the late royal figure years after filming concluded.
Emotional Connection Persists
The acclaimed actor, who earned an Oscar nomination for her transformative performance in Pablo Larraín's film, disclosed in a recent interview with The Telegraph that she remains emotionally connected to Diana's memory. "I still am haunted by her," Stewart admitted, adding with poignant vulnerability, "I can cry about her at any moment."
Geographical Triggers and Lasting Impressions
Stewart explained that certain locations continue to evoke powerful memories of the People's Princess. "I can't drive around London, and Paris for that matter, without thinking about her... all the love that poured out of this woman," she revealed. This geographical connection is particularly significant given Diana's tragic death in a Paris car crash in August 1997.
The Physical Transformation
The actor described how the costumes she wore during filming became essential to her portrayal. Set during a difficult Christmas period in 1991 at the royal residence Sandringham, Stewart explained that the clothing served as "part of the armour" that "allowed" her to enter Diana's "physical space and create images of her in this prison of a castle."
Personal Parallels and Media Scrutiny
Stewart acknowledged that she represented ideal casting for the role due to shared experiences with the princess, particularly regarding intense media scrutiny. Following her breakthrough role in the Twilight franchise, Stewart experienced similar press attention to that which plagued Diana's life. "It does kind of soul suck," she reflected about such public exposure.
She elaborated on Diana's character, noting: "Her rebellious qualities felt so desperate, and so young and so vulnerable." This understanding helped shape her nuanced performance that explored Diana's struggles with royal family dynamics, her eating disorder, and the breakdown of her marriage to Prince Charles.
Spiritual Connections and Emotional Aftermath
During the film's production, Stewart reported experiencing "spooky, spiritual feelings" and believed she received Diana's "sign-off" to undertake the challenging role. "Even if I was just fantasising," she told LA Times, "I felt like there were moments where I kind of got the sign-off. She felt so alive to me when I was making this movie."
The actor described moments where "my body and mind would forget she was dead," illustrating the depth of her immersion in the character. When filming eventually concluded, Stewart felt "a bit like a shell," adding perceptively, "I think she did too. That was the point."
Moving Forward with New Projects
While still processing her connection to Diana, Stewart has transitioned to directing with her new psychological drama The Chronology of Water. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and arrives in UK cinemas nine months later, follows a woman portrayed by Imogen Poots who channels childhood trauma into success as a competitive swimmer.
Despite this new creative direction, Stewart's emotional bond with Princess Diana clearly endures, demonstrating how certain roles leave indelible marks on performers long after cameras stop rolling.
