Hollywood icon Joan Collins has officially confirmed the exciting news: Isabella Rossellini has joined the cast of The Bitter End, a captivating biopic centered around the life of American socialite Wallis Simpson. Collins, who is stepping back onto the screen as Simpson herself, made the announcement via her Instagram account on February 28, 2025, expressing her enthusiasm for this new venture.
At 91 years old, Collins looked glamorous as she shared the details, stating, "I am so thrilled to announce... I think she is going to just have a marvelous time," referring to Rossellini, who is set to portray Suzanne Blum, the formidable French lawyer and confidante of Simpson. The film promises to depict the tumultuous and storied history of two women at odds with one another, adding layers to the narrative through captivating character arcs.
The backdrop of Simpson’s life is one of passionate romance and scandal, famously marked by her marriage to Edward VIII, the Prince of Wales. This relationship was so controversial at the time it led to Edward's abdication of the throne – a decision described as one of the most scandalous love affairs of the 20th century. The film aims to unravel this narrative, exploring Simpson's life not just as the Duchess of Windsor, but as a woman who faced merciless public scrutiny and characterization as a "temptress" who ensnared the Prince.
Collins shared her enthusiasm about both her role and the film's story, emphasizing the importance of telling this narrative, which she describes as "a previously untold story". While discussing her character, the iconic actress also expressed anticipation for embarking on this thrilling project. The film, produced by the newly established John Gore Studios—founded by acclaimed producer John Gore, who boasts 22 Tony Awards and two Emmys—marks the studio's first feature film project.
With shooting scheduled to commence soon, Collins's excitement is palpable. She hinted at more star-studded announcements to come, building the train of anticipation around The Bitter End. "We are going to start soon, and I’ll be announcing some other starry, starry announcements of other people who are going to be in it sooner rather than later," she claimed.
Rossellini's casting adds weight to the film, with her history of powerful performances strengthening expectations for this retelling. Having garnered acclaim throughout her lengthy career, including recent recognition for her role in Conclave, her involvement signals the considerable talents brought to the project. The film aims to shed light on the dynamics of Simpson’s world, delving deeply not only the intimate relationships exhibited but also the societal norms and pressures of her time.
Simpson, dubbed the original Meghan Markle due to her status as an American divorcée marrying royalty, faced fierce backlash during her lifetime. Her affair with Edward VIII, which began before his ascension, culminated with his abdication of the throne for the woman he loved, presenting unprecedented challenges of personal and public life. The film is poised to capture the essence of this historically significant love story, intertwining personal joy with national scandal.
Alongside her role, Rossellini's character Suzanne Blum will provide insights from the perspective of Simpson's legal counsel and confidante. This addition is particularly relevant as it emphasizes the external and internal struggles Simpson experienced, contributing to her narrative of resilience. The film seeks to portray not just the glamour but the sacrifices made amid societal judgment and pressures.
While the film will inevitably highlight Wallis Simpson’s tumultuous relationship with Edward, it will also focus on the formidable women surrounding her life, such as Blum. Collins's perspective as Wallis and Rossellini's interpretation of Blum are likely to add nuanced layers of storytelling, exploring themes of rivalry, loyalty, and the burden of femininity within the patriarchal confines of their era.
Directed by visionary filmmakers and with the guidance of Gore's exceptional producing team, The Bitter End will undoubtedly stir conversations about love, sacrifice, social judgment, and the reshaping of one's identity against the backdrop of historical upheaval.
Filming for the biopic is anticipated to deliver compelling glimpses of Wallis Simpson’s life, some of which mirrored tragedies relevant to contemporary narratives. From facing character assassination to living as exiles away from home, Simpson’s story serves as both cautionary and inspiring.
Through this lens, audiences will witness Wallis Simpson not merely as the Duchess of Windsor but as the embodiment of complex choices shaped by love and societal obligation. The release date for the film remains undisclosed, but the anticipation is palpable following the announcement of its cast and the historic narrative it seeks to encapsulate.
Isabella Rossellini’s role may very well represent pivotal moments where legal defense and personal loyalties intertwine, establishing The Bitter End as not just a film about love but as a bold commentary on the lives of women who faced formidable odds within the patriarchal structures of their time.
Expectations are high as Collins gears up for her challenging portrayal and Rossellini steps back onto the screen, forging new paths through the cinematic exploration of complex historical relationships.