Kate Winslet to Direct and Star in Netflix’s ‘Goodbye June’

Oscar winner leads ensemble cast in heartfelt family drama

Kate Winslet is set to make her feature film directorial debut with the Netflix family drama “Goodbye June.” In addition to directing, Winslet will produce and star in the film, which features a stellar cast including Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, and Helen Mirren. The screenplay was penned by Joe Anders, Winslet’s son with ex-husband Sam Mendes, and production will be overseen by Kate Solomon alongside Winslet.

Solomon previously collaborated with Winslet on the biopic “Lee,” which chronicles the life of model-turned-World War II photographer Lee Miller and also features Andrea Riseborough. Winslet’s portrayal in “Lee” earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and the film received a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding British Film of the Year.

Described by Netflix as a “touching, yet humorous” drama, “Goodbye June” centers on a fractured group of siblings who come together under sudden and challenging circumstances. Set in present-day England, production is scheduled to commence soon in the U.K.

During a promotional appearance for “Lee” on the “How to Fail” podcast with Elizabeth Day, Winslet discussed her previous reluctance to direct, citing the significant time commitment. However, she now feels a sense of urgency and responsibility to contribute to the representation of women in Hollywood by stepping behind the camera.

“Many people on film sets, whether actors or crew members, have asked me, ‘Why aren’t you directing?’ and I would always deflect,” Winslet shared. “But the more I refrain from doing it, especially with the need to change the culture, the more I feel I’m letting down other women. I’m truly starting to feel that responsibility.”

She emphasized the importance of female directors, stating, “The more of us who take on directing roles, the more we inspire others to do the same.”

Winslet also expressed confidence in her readiness to direct, having gained a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking. “I would never undertake something unless I knew how to do it properly,” she asserted.

In addition to “Lee,” Winslet recently starred in the HBO limited series “The Regime,” for which she received another Golden Globe nomination, marking a rare achievement of multiple nominations in the same ceremony. She previously won the Best Actress Oscar in 2009 for her role in “The Reader.”