[from Contact Music]

Naomi Watts is devastated about the death of veteran actress Fay Wray - because she never got to discuss reprising the 30s star's famous King Kong role.

The 35-year-old Australian actress - who won an Oscar nomination for 21 Grams - is about to recreate Wray's iconic role as damsel-in-distress Ann Darrow in the remake of the gorilla movie.

A close source says, "Naomi was hoping to meet Fay to discuss the role. She must have watched the original King Kong a dozen times recently and she totally fell in love with Fay's performance.

"A meeting was due to be set up before the news came through of Fay's death."

Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, who is heading the big budget remake, did meet the legendary Wray, who died, aged 96, on Sunday.

A source says, "They really hit it off. Peter was eager for Naomi to meet her too but it never happened.

"Fay was very supportive of the remake and of the casting of Naomi."

The King Kong remake - also starring funnyman Jack Black and The Pianist actor Adrien Brody - is set to be released next December.

Jackson is also planning a tribute dedication to Wray on the new film's credits.

Published August 12, 2004