Watts as 'Monroe' promo taken from magazine front cover.

This picture was taken at the Cannes Film Festival a couple of days ago by AlloCiné, and the enertainment press have gone into a foaming frenzy saying that this is the 'first look at Naomi Watts as Marilyn Monroe'.

But wait... Sacrebleu! What's this?

This magazine cover (Madame Figaro) was actually published in January 2009 after the Aussie actress posed for photographer Ali Mahdavi in a dress by Thierry Mugler (a design inspired by Marilyn's Seven Year Itch dress).

So yes...while I admit she does look amazing as the famed blonde bombshell, this picture has indeed been around for sometime now.

So why was this picture featured in Cannes?

 

Distribution company Wild Bunch announced at the Cannes Film Festival that they will be handling international sales on 'Blonde', an adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates' imaginary Marilyn Monroe memoir, and will focus on her time with John F. Kennedy, Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller. Andrew Dominik will direct the project that will star Naomi Watts as Marilyn. Shooting is scheduled to start on the $20 million film in January 2011.


AND...

 The Weinstein Company is also developing 'My Week With Marilyn' with filming starting in September. Michelle Williams will play Marilyn in the movie about the time Monroe spent in England shooting 'The Prince and the Showgirl' opposite Laurence Olivier. Simon Curtis will direct.

Let the battle of the Marilyns commence!