‘Conclave’ Star Isabella Rossellini Boards Wallis Simpson Biopic ‘The Bitter End’​on February 26, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Oscar-nominated Conclave star Isabella Rossellini has boarded the upcoming Wallis Simpson biopic.

Rossellini will play Suzanne Blum in John Gore Studios‘ The Bitter End [working title] opposite Joan Collins, who is playing Simpson. Blum is a formidable French lawyer and confidante of Simpson’s, who at the hands of Blum found herself snared in a grip of obsession and coercive control.

Telling the story of the final years of the woman who married King Edward VIII and broke up the monarchy, The Bitter End comes from Mike Newell and is penned by Louise Fennell.

Rossellini said: “I am absolutely thrilled to join the incomparable Joan Collins and the brilliant Mike Newell in bringing this extraordinary story back to life. 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 Gore, Richard Holmes and Francis Hopkinson and is executive produced by Hilary Strong, Michael Foster and Percy Gibson. Filming will take place in the UK and is set to begin in May. Further casting and key crew will be announced soon. Worldwide Sales will be handled by Embankment Films.

Rossellini has garnered critical acclaim for her role as Sister Agnes in Edward Berger’s multiple Oscar-nominated Conclave, and she is nommed for Best Supporting Actress. She is represented by UTA and Wolf Kasteler.

Led by the 22-time Tony winner, John Gore Studios was unveiled late last month with a number of projects upcoming.

Gore said of Rossellini: “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.”