Well, Neon Films have broken the internet today with the first look at Kristen Stewart in “Spencer.” “Spencer” is, of course, about the late Diane, Princess of Wales (her full given name was Diana Frances Spencer), and heralded Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain directs it (“Jackie,” “No,” “Neruda.”)
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We’ll be honest, we didn’t think “Spencer” would even begin production this year, and alas, it’s not on our 100 Most Anticipated Films of 2021 (guess who is fixing that asap?!), because Larrain was supposed to start and shoot an adaptation of Stephen King‘s “Lisey’s Story” starring Clive Owen and Julianne Moore for AppleTV+ first. In fact, the series shot, started, and then got delayed by Covid-19; and Larrain even talked about finding time to finish it this year (it has a 2021 due date). Oh well, on to “Spencer,” and maybe finishing that series later.
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That said, principal photography just started, and Neon Films says the picture will be due in the fall of 2021. The film focuses on one weekend in Princess Diana’s life, as she spends the Christmas holiday with the royal family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, and decides to leave her marriage to Prince Charles. “Filming will take place in Germany, and the UK, and an autumn 2021 launch is anticipated. 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of Diana’s death.”
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Back to “Spencer,” opposite Stewart, the cast includes BAFTA Award nominee Timothy Spall (“Mr. Turner,” “The Party“), Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water,” “Paddington“) and Sean Harris (“Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” “Prometheus“) playing Charles, Prince of Wales. Extra bonus, the film will feature a score by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and cinematography by “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” lenser Claire Mathon.
Here’s the official synopsis:
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December, 1991: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ marriage has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. This year, things will be a whole lot different.
“SPENCER is a dive inside an emotional imagining of who Diana was at a pivotal turning point in her life,” – Kristen Stewart said in a statement. Now, does fall 2021 mean the film festival first with a proper release later in the year or soon thereafter? Time will tell, but suffice to say we can’t wait.