Scorecard Research Beacon
Search Icon
April 10, 2019

Netflix casts Emma Corrin as Princess Diana in 'The Crown': Here's what you need to know

WATCH: Netflix casts Emma Corrin as Princess Diana

Netflix has found its Princess Diana for the hit series "The Crown," the streaming company announced on Tuesday.

Emma Corrin will play the late icon in the series focused on the British royals and will join the cast in season 4.

(MORE: Diana and Doria: How the 2 grandmothers are expected to influence the royal baby)

Corrin is somewhat of a newcomer to the acting game and fans of the hit series were very interested to know more about her.

Here's the skinny on this rising star!

She's a proud alumnus of St. John's College in Cambridge

The university, boasting with pride, shared a quote from the British actress Wednesday, along with a youthful picture from her college days.

"I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I’m now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal," the college quoted Corrin as saying about "The Crown."

“I have been glued to the show since the first episode and to think I’m now joining this incredibly talented acting family is just surreal.” St John’s alumna Emma Corrin has been cast as Princess Diana in season four of The Crown. More info 👉 https://t.co/PnozWavD3H #thisisjohns pic.twitter.com/YvCtb0tZvj

— St John's College, Cambridge (@stjohnscam) April 10, 2019
(MORE: How expectant father Prince Harry and dad Prince William are changing royal fatherhood)

People are freaking out at the resemblance to the late icon

Fans and media outlets have shared side-by-side photos of the two, and many are amazed at how similar they look.

One fan boasted about the role, "Diana is such a touchy subject and now Emma Corrin is ready to take on the role. Crossing my fingers for her."

Diana is such a touchy subject and now Emma Corrin is ready to take on the role. Crossing my fingers for her #TheCrownNetflix #TheCrown pic.twitter.com/a3yDOboLHH

— Nina (@BakerStGhost) April 9, 2019

She's virtually unknown

Fans also pointed out that it may be better for the young, relatively unknown actress to play Diana rather than a more established one.

"I think it's such a good decision to cast a more unknown actress for Diana in The Crown. It's such a big role and it needs to be cast for precision and accuracy and not on a starry name!" a fan tweeted.

In fact, Corrin has only been a professional actress for over a year.

View this post on Instagram

@pennyworthonepix look at us go!! buckle up everyone this is gonna be quite something ⭐️⭐️

A post shared by Emma Corrin (@emmalouisecorrin) on

Her credits include a short, titled "Alex's Dream," from last year and an episode of the series "Grantchester" this year.

She's also tied to a new series, “Pennyworth," about Batman's famed butler Alfred, according toVariety.

She'll certainly have an on-screen presence

The actress stands at 5'8, according to IMDb.

View this post on Instagram

it’s all about wing span

A post shared by Emma Corrin (@emmalouisecorrin) on

This presence should help her fill the shoes of the inspiring Diana, who captivated the world so effortlessly.

"Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice!" Corrin said in a statement about the role.

She should probably clear her trophy case

If "The Crown's" history tell us anything, she should expect to be a part of the Emmy and Golden Globe conversation — if her performance is received well by critics.

The show has won more than a dozen awards in just two seasons, including for leads John Lithgow and Claire Foy.

Foy has been incredibly impressive on the awards circuit, also taking home back-to-back SAGs, voted on by her fellow actors.