Movies

Kate Winslet Trades in Acting for Directing

BBG News

She is one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading ladies, her on-screen performances earning her multiple awards over 30 years, including an Oscar.

But as these exclusive pictures show, British actress Kate Winslet is taking the lead behind the camera for the first time.

The Titanic star, 49, was seen filming her directorial debut, Goodbye June, on the streets of London alongside an all-star cast including Andrea Riseborough, Toni Collette and Timothy Spall.

The Netflix project is described as a contemporary family drama about ‘fractured siblings who must come together under sudden and trying circumstances’.

And it is certainly a family affair for the actress as her 21-year-old son, Joe Anders, whose father is Bond director Sam Mendes, wrote the screenplay.

But Ms Winslet – who won plaudits for her role as Lee Miller, the model who became a Second World War photographer, in the 2023 biopic Lee – showed she is not ready to turn her back on acting any time soon, also starring in the production.

She was seen in character wearing a cream wool coat, neutral trousers and jumper, on a set which had been designed to look like the outside of a Cheltenham hospital. Later, she scrutinised the footage and wrapped up warmly in a padded jacket to direct her co-stars.

Earlier, she shared with Elizabeth Day on the How To Fail podcast that some industry figures suggested she should take up directing, believing it could shift the traditionally male-centric culture in Hollywood.

Many people often tell me on film sets, “Why aren’t you directing?” To which I usually respond, “No, no, no, please don’t say that. Stop saying it. Why do so many people keep asking that question?”, said Kate.

It’s clear why I haven’t taken on that task: it’s been too long, it requires a significant amount of time and dedication, and I’ve always had family responsibilities. When I was 25, I gave birth to Mia, so my family obligations have never allowed me the freedom to do it.

The less I’m taking action currently, given the necessity of changing the culture, the stronger my sense of letting down other women becomes. I’m increasingly feeling this way.

Her children have followed her into the industry. Anders starred alongside his mother in Lee, having also appeared in the Oscar-nominated war film 1917, which was directed by his father.

Meanwhile, her daughter Mia Threapleton, 24 – whose father is Kate’s first husband, actor Jim Threapleton – is also making a name for herself as an actress, having won acclaim for her role alongside her mother in the Bafta award-winning domestic drama I Am Ruth.

Winslet’s family includes an 11-year-old son named Bear, who is her child with her third husband, Edward Abel Smith. Edward is a relative of business magnate Sir Richard Branson.

The movie “Goodbye June” is described as a heartwarming and funny drama. This film features Dame Helen Mirren, but a release date has not been set yet.

Currently, Kate will once again take on her character in the upcoming third installment of James Cameron’s Avatar series, titled Avatar 3: Fire and Ash. This movie is set to hit theaters in December.

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2025-03-16 02:37

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