“We’re talking like Tree No. 2 kind of role”: Emma Corrin Would Have Never Played Princess Diana Had Their First Audition For The Crown Been a Success – Here’s Why
Tiaras for teacups? Believe it or not, Emma Corrin’s path to Princess Diana almost took a detour! Imagine dreaming of a crown, only to land an audition for…a tree? Well, that was almost the reality for the beloved princess, Emma Corrin!
We’re about to spill the tea on a hilariously awkward (but destiny-defining) moment that nearly saw Corrin on The Crown in an exceedingly different way. Forget waltzing into royalty, this near-miss involved a completely unexpected (and possibly leafy) role.
Nearly Nobody to Royalty: Emma Corrin’s “Crown” journey takes a twist (and lands them a tiara!)
As unbelievable as it may seem, Emma Corrin’s legendary depiction of Princess Diana nearly never occurred! Elizabeth Debicki, a fellow actress, shockingly disclosed in a Variety Actors on Actors discussion that she had really tried out for a much smaller role on The Crown before being cast. Debicki went so far as to quip,
I never told anyone what role I got because the person who got it was amazing!
Debicki is mum regarding the specific role—rumors have her playing Jackie Kennedy—but Corrin’s experience on the program was similarly surprising. Corrin acknowledged that they’d tried out for a “We’re talking like Tree No. 2 kind of role” in a background shot! However, destiny (as well as a little audition jitters) had other ideas. Corrin was asked back to read with actresses vying for the role of a young Camilla after they were unsuccessful in landing the initial role. This time, Corrin felt less pressure to perform to their best ability because—well, it wasn’t really an audition.
The casting crew was drawn to Diana’s carefree demeanor and asked for a special audition. They suggested a duet of “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera, which Diana had once given to Prince Charles. With the help of this unusual audition, Corrin was able to secure the much sought-after part of Princess Diana, which completely altered the trajectory of their career. Elizabeth Debicki then praises Emma Corrin and how perfect they were in her portrayal. She said:
And I remember when you got cast and I thought ‘Well, it was a nice dream. Because well, you were perfect. So funnily enough, I sorta gave up on the idea when you appeared.
Unbelievably, fate came into play to provide us with Emma Corrin’s iconic interpretation of Princess Diana. Their personal encounter with fate transpired, elevating them from a possible supporting character to the series’ posh role.
Corrin’s take on ‘posh roles’ after playing Princess Diana
Emma Corrin’s breakthrough performance in the fourth season of The Crown as Princess Diana has surely made them famous. It turns out, though, that they may be done playing “posh” roles like this. The actor revealed in a recent interview with The Guardian that they will see Elizabeth Debicki, their replacement, portray the late Princess of Wales in season 5.
On the other hand, Emma Corrin has entirely other plans. They stated, “I want to do a gritty, independent film, maybe in Scotland or something,” and added, “I’ll have an outrageous accent, and flowing red hair.”
From a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it supporting role to the alluring Princess Diana, Emma Corrin’s transformation on The Crown is proof that it’s okay to welcome change. Corrin looks ready to swap tiaras for something a little more unusual now that they’ve set their sights on gritty parts and a fiery Scottish accent. Will they master the highlands or forever be remembered as the people’s princess? Let time be the judge.
