Isabella Rossellini Joins Mike Newell’s Wallis Simpson Biopic ‘The Bitter End’

By Alex Ritman

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Paola Kudacki/Trunk Archive

Fresh from her recent Oscar nomination for her supporting role in Edward Berger’s Vatican thriller “Conclave,” Isabella Rossellini has lined up her next film.

The Italian acting icon — who was part of “Conclave’s” SAG Award-winning ensemble cast — is set to join Joan Collins in upcoming feature “The Bitter End” from John Gore Studios.

Directed by multi-award-winning director Mike Newell (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”) and penned by screenwriter and novelist Louise Fennell, the film charts the untold story of the final years of Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who became the Duchess of Windsor after marrying King Edward VIII and forcing his abdication from power.

Rossellini will star as Suzanne Blum, the formidable French lawyer and confidante of Simpson (played by Collins) who at the hands of Blum found herself ensnared in a menacing grip of obsession and coercive control.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join the incomparable Joan Collins and the brilliant Mike Newell in bringing this extraordinary story back to life,” said Rossellini. “Louise Fennell’s script allows us to delve into the complex and devastating relationship between these two iconic women, the profound impact they had on one another and their lasting mark on history.”

The film will be produced by John Gore, Richard Holmes and Francis Hopkinson and executive produced by Hilary Strong, Michael Foster and Percy Gibson. Filming will take place in the U.K. and is set to begin May 2025. Further casting and key crew to be announced. Worldwide sales will be handled by Embankment Films.

“Isabella Rossellini possesses an immense and captivating talent, her ability to embody complex characters with depth and authenticity inspires audiences and elevates every story she tells,” said Gore. “Attracting such a stellar cast is testament to the quality of this project. When you combine such great actors with Mike Newell’s vision and Louise Fennell’s gripping script, you achieve a recipe for something truly exciting.”

Rossellini is represented by UTA and Wolf Kasteler.