Joan Collins, a staunch supporter of the British monarchy, has been cast as Wallis Simpson in an upcoming biopic. The 91-year-old actress will portray Simpson, the American socialite whose relationship with King Edward VIII led to his abdication in 1936. Edward chose Simpson over the throne, marrying her the following year. Their marriage lasted until Edward’s death in 1972; Simpson passed away in 1986 at the age of 89.
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The film, currently titled The Bitter End, will focus on Simpson’s final days. Previously titled In Bed with the Duchess, the new title still alludes to Simpson’s title as the Duchess of Windsor, bestowed upon her after marrying Edward, who became the Duke of Windsor following his abdication. According to The Guardian, the film will explore a previously untold story of Simpson’s life.
Collins expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am thrilled about the challenge of playing this iconic woman in a previously untold story.”
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Mike Newell, known for directing Four Weddings and a Funeral, will helm the project, with the script penned by Louise Fennell, mother of Oscar-winning writer and director Emerald Fennell.
Edward VIII’s decision to marry the twice-divorced Simpson created a constitutional crisis. After less than a year as King, he abdicated on December 10, 1936, passing the throne to his younger brother, who became King George VI, the father of the late Queen Elizabeth and grandfather of King Charles.
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In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Collins revealed that the script for The Bitter End was written specifically for her. She described the film as “the true story of the last years of the Duchess of Windsor after the Duke dies,” adding, “You see her first of all when she’s full of pep and she’s got her young acolytes around her, then bit by bit she is destroyed by circumstances… It’s a very good script, and it’s a great part for me. I’ve always been fascinated by Wallis, because I think she was unfairly treated.”
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Simpson, who famously remarked about her marriage to Edward, “You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance,” has been portrayed by several actresses in the past, including Lia Williams in Netflix’s The Crown, Joely Richardson in Wallis & Edward, Faye Dunaway in The Woman I Love, and Eve Best in The King’s Speech. Collins, described by The Guardian as a “vocal supporter of the British monarchy,” was made a dame in 2015.
