Kidman defends Grace movie

AP / Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman defends her Grace Kelly movie

Feb. 18, 2013, 1:41 PM EST

WENN

Nicole Kidman has stepped up to defend her upcoming Grace Kelly movie following criticism from the late star's royal relatives, and says her portrayal will be "respectful."

Kidmanplays the actress-turned-real-life princess in her upcoming movie "Grace of Monaco," but the film has come under fire from Kelly's children, Prince Albert Of Monaco, and his sisters, Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie, who recently branded the project "pointlessly glamorized," "inaccurate" and "pure fiction."

Bing: See Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly

Kidman is now speaking out about the film, explaining that she found the part "daunting" at first, but tried to make sure she honored the Hollywood legend's memory. Speaking at a London screening of her new film "Stoker," she told reporters, "I wanted to be respectful of her, her story and her essence so hopefully that will all come through. It's exciting, but at first it was daunting. At the same time, I had studied her and felt a kind of tenderness towards her."

Screen legend Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco when she wed Prince Rainier III in 1956. She died in a car accident in 1985 at the age of 52. "Grace of Monaco" is due for release in 2014.