Princess Diana Based Musical Set To Debut On Netflix... Before Hitting Broadway

In a first time move for Broadway, "Diana," a musical based on the life of the late British princess, will be available to stream on Netflix in October prior to an anticipated Broadway run in December.

According to The New York Times, the version of "Diana" that audiences will see online was filmed in an empty Longacre Theater in September 2020. The show will return to performing in the theater, if permitted, on December 1 with an official opening of December 16.

The monarchy-themed musical was initially meant to debut prior to the coronavirus imposed shutdown of New York theaters last March, and had nine preview shows before opening to the critics.

The show, billed as "a celebration of the life of Princess Diana,", will now debut before live spectators 625 days after its intended opening night.

Show producers Frank Marshall and Beth Williams have both openly expressed their understanding that the musical's Netflix run is a means to promote its Broadway run, with each raising the other's profile.

"I think people will see the movie and will say, that's a show I want to see in person," Marshall told the Times.

Williams spoke about the uncharted nature of the musical's rollout, and the deal with the streaming giant.

"[It's] a slightly more complicated rollout." Williams said of the streaming deal, but added that "it's an incredible opportunity to put 'Diana' in front of the global Netflix audience, and then give them an opportunity to see it live."

Netflix's spokesperson denied commenting on the cost of obtaining the Broadway musical's streaming rights.

"Diana" will be available to stream on Netflix starting October 1, with the hope that, regulations permitting, it will return to Broadway on December 16.