
First look at Dame Joan Collins as Wallis Simpson in new biopic
Dame Joan, 91, can be seen sporting the Duchess of Windsor's signature centre parting and 1920s-style finger waves hairstyle with bold red lipstick for The Bitter End, directed by Mike Newell.
Wearing large sunglasses and a glamorous fur-lined coat with leather gloves, the British actress stands in front of Conclave star Isabella Rossellini, who is portraying the French lawyer Suzanne Blum.
The relationship between the Duchess and Blum, who has been described as a 'totally menacing' force in her later life by Johanna Schutz, the Windsor's private secretary, is being explored in the upcoming film.
In the first look image, the Duchess and Bloom appear to be standing in front of Villa Windsor, the main residence of the Duke and Duchess in their exile in France.
The Bitter End will be produced by Gore, Richard Holmes and Francis Hopkinson and executive produced by Hilary Strong and Michael Foster, with its screenplay written by screenwriter and novelist Louise Fennell.
Miranda Richardson, who played Queen Elizabeth in Black Adder, Game of Throne's Charles Dance, and Pride And Prejudice's David Bamber are among those recently announced to join the duo in the film.
After marrying in June 1937, the Duke and Duchess lived the rest of their lives in exile, with Edward dying in May 1972. The Duchess died in their shared home in Paris in 1986 at the age of 89.
John Gore, the film's producer, said of the casting: 'We are thrilled to announce the exceptional cast and creative team joining Joan Collins and Isabella Rossellini in The Bitter End.
'It's an exciting project for John Gore Studios as we commit to producing distinctive British stories for global audiences.'
After marrying in June 1937, the Duke and Simpson lived the rest of their lives in exile in France. Simpson died in Paris in 1986 at the age of 89.
Dame Joan, who is known for playing Alexis Carrington Colby in US show Dynasty, previously said of the film: 'I am thrilled about the challenge of playing this iconic woman in a previously untold story and to be in John Gore Studios' initial roster of what I'm sure will be a very successful endeavour.'
Simpson has previously been portrayed by Lia Williams in the Netflix royal drama The Crown, Faye Dunaway in The Woman I Love, and Eve Best in The King's Speech.
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