Kristen Stewart revealed that she remains deeply affected by the life and tragic death of Princess Diana, even years after portraying the royal in the 2021 film Spencer. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Stewart confessed that thoughts of Diana sometimes move her to tears, reflecting a lasting emotional impact from the role.
Preparations and Emotional Weight Behind the Role
Stewart described her process for becoming Princess Diana as intense and immersive, supported by voice and movement coaches, a carefully chosen wig, and a wardrobe featuring iconic Chanel pieces. She explained how the clothing helped her inhabit Diana’s physical presence, providing a sense of armor amid the restrictive setting of the royal castle.
The clothes were part of the armour,
Stewart said.
They allowed me to step into her physical space and create images of her in this prison of a castle yet wearing lavish, stunning pieces of clothing. That is a poem in itself.
She also spoke about how the memory of Diana permeates her daily life.
I can’t drive round this city, and Paris for that matter, without thinking about her. All the love that poured out of this woman … I can cry about her any any moment.
Stewart’s Directorial Debut and Challenges in the Film Industry
Beyond acting, Stewart is preparing to debut as a feature film director with The Chronology of Water, based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir. The film, starring Imogen Poots, premiered at Cannes Film Festival last year and explores the story of a young woman who discovers her voice through writing and swimming.
In the interview, Stewart spoke candidly about obstacles she faced during production, pointing to systemic misogyny within the film industry. She emphasized the resilience women must show amid these challenges.
I mean, we’re allowed to take our clothes off in public, but we have targets on our back for sure,
Stewart remarked.
I don’t want to lean into victimhood, but we [women] need to stand together strongly and acknowledge we’ve received the s–t end of the stick in certain ways.
Reflecting on Women’s Experiences and Collective Strength
Earlier this year, Stewart discussed the personal impact of Yuknavitch’s memoir during an interview with TheWrap’s Sharon Waxman, revealing how the book triggered a powerful emotional response. She linked the story to broader issues faced by women, highlighting the pervasive silencing in society.
Even if you don’t have the specific relationship to abuse that this woman does, if you have been walking around the Earth with a female body for the last, you know, right now, being told to shut the f–k up is pervasive. It’s just a fact,
Stewart stated.
I think there are certain pieces of work that allow you to exist, all of a sudden you go, ‘Wow, f–k me. That is a mirror.’ And we are so much stronger together.
The Enduring Impact of Stewart’s Portrayal and Future Projects
Kristen Stewart’s embodiment of Princess Diana continues to resonate not only with audiences but with the actress herself, who remains emotionally connected to the royal’s legacy. Her transition into directing signals a new chapter in her career, marked by a determination to tell complex women’s stories in a challenging industry.
As Stewart navigates these creative endeavors, her candid reflections highlight ongoing conversations about gender, fame, and resilience, underscoring why both Diana’s story and Stewart’s work continue to hold significance today.
