Dame Joan Collins is set to take on the role of Wallis Simpson in the upcoming biopic The Bitter End, which promises to shed light on the final years of the American socialite's life. At 91 years old, the actress is known for her iconic character Alexis Carrington from the hit series Dynasty.
Collins has expressed her excitement to tackle this role, stating, "I am thrilled about the challenge of playing this iconic woman in a previously untold story," according to The Guardian. She added, "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." The biopic will explore Simpson's life after the death of her husband, King Edward VIII.
Wallis Simpson, who became the Duchess of Windsor after marrying Edward, was born Bessie Wallis Warfield on June 19, 1896, in Pennsylvania. Her relationship with Edward scandalized British society, culminating in his abdication from the throne just ten months after he became king. Edward's choice to prioritize love over duty led to significant constitutional turmoil, and his brother George VI ascended the throne, forever altering the British monarchy.
Edward famously chose Simpson, then a twice-divorced American woman, over the responsibilities of kingship, which drew intense public and political backlash. Their marriage took place on June 3, 1937, following Edwards's departure from royal duties. During their lifetime, the couple was often seen as living out the consequences of this choice, residing mainly in France.
Collins divulged on her Instagram, "I’m delighted to be playing #wallissimpson the #duchessofwindsor in an untold story about her final years, to start shooting soon in London and Paris." Instantly, the news garnered enthusiastic responses from her followers, with one fan saying, "This is going to be great – I’ve always been so curious about those final years for her." Another remarked, "This will be extraordinary! And no one could play the role more exquisitely than you, @joancollinsdbe! Just phenomenal!"
The production of The Bitter End is currently underway, with filming set to start in May 2025, coinciding with Collins's 92nd birthday. The film aims to tell the comprehensive narrative of Wallis Simpson’s final years, tackling themes associated with her life following Edward’s death.
After becoming the Duchess of Windsor, Simpson’s life was filled with both glamor and tragedy. Following Edward's death in 1972, she experienced increasing isolation and declining health. Simpson passed away on April 24, 1986, living her later years at the Villa Windsor, a mansion located near Paris where the couple spent much of their post-monarchy life. The villa saw many royal visitors but also witnessed Simpson's retreat from the public eye.
John Gore Studios, the production firm behind the film, describes it as "the shocking untold story of the last years of Wallis Simpson." The screenplay is being crafted by Louise Fennell, mother of actress Emerald Fennell. The film will be directed by Mike Newell, known for blockbuster hits such as Four Weddings and a Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
The narrative of Wallis Simpson has been represented on screen several times before. Previous portrayals include Lia Williams on Netflix's The Crown, Joely Richardson for Wallis & Edward, Faye Dunaway’s performance in The Woman I Love, and Eve Best's role in The King’s Speech. Collins's rendition will focus on aspects not previously explored, promising to provide audiences with fresh insights.
Through this film, viewers will discover the complexity of Simpson’s character beyond the cliched narratives surrounding her life, challenging the long-held perceptions of her as merely the woman who caused Edward's abdication. Collins’s enthusiasm for the role highlights her respect and interest in Simpson's legacy, which has continued to captivate audiences and historians alike.
With filming set to take place across London and Paris, audiences can anticipate not only a biographical exploration but also an emotional narrative reflecting the struggles and resilience of Wallis Simpson. Collins's portrayal aims to lift the veil on the life of the woman who forever changed the course of British history, positioning Simpson as not merely the duchess but as an iconic figure within her own right.