Kate Winslet is an award-winning actress and producer, but she’s about to add another feather to her cap: she will direct a film in late 2025. Netflix has announced that Kate will step behind the camera for the first time with the upcoming film Goodbye June.
Furthermore, Kate joins the likes of Barbra Streisand, Angelina Jolie, and Natalie Portman, all of whom have directed a film.
Although Goodbye June will mark Kate’s official directorial debut, she was heavily involved in the production of Lee.
In fact, she was nominated alongside director Ellen Kuras and producer Kate Solomon for the 2025 BAFTA Awards. Lee was up for Outstanding British Film.
“I never would have done it if I wasn’t [ready]. I’m just not the kind of person who does things by halves,” she said in an interview with Grazia. ‘The reality is I couldn’t have done it before – I was raising a family, you know?”
Thankfully, her family is coming together for her first foray into directing.
Kate Winslet’s son writes the screenplay for her directorial debut
Goodbye June is written by Kate’s son, Joe Anders. It was inspired by his experience of watching his grandmother (Kate’s mother) pass away. He asked his mother for feedback, and not only did she provide it, but also offered to produce, direct and star in the feature.
Since its release, Kate has had to dodge questions about her children being referred to as “nepo-babies,” i.e. they may have had an advantage in the industry because their parents have connections. In this case, Joe is also the son of director Sam Mendes, as well as his Oscar-winning mother.
“I don’t like the ‘nepo-baby’ term,” she said in an interview with the BBC. “These kids aren’t getting a leg up. Like [Joe] would say to me, ‘I don’t want people to think that this film is just being made because you’re my mum.'”
“The film would have been made with or without me,” she adds. “The script is so, so good.”
Her daughter Mia has also followed her mother into the industry and is an actor.
Who stars in Goodbye June?
As mentioned, Kate will also star in the film. She stars alongside Golden Globe-winning Australian Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, and Dame Helen Mirren. Helen is the titular June.
Toni Collette called the role and Kate’s stewardship of the project a “dream come true,” in an interview with People.
“I mean, it was more than I even expected, because I thought we’d just act together,” the Australian actress added. “But when someone chooses you to be a part of their directorial debut, that’s a big deal. That’s a total honour. And she’s such a good director. We all knew she would be, but she really is. It was just the most beautiful set, such an incredible atmosphere, such an incredible sense of trust and freedom.”
“And she’s so generous and kind and grounded and funny,” she continued. “And honestly, none of us wanted it to end.”
What is the plot of Goodbye June?
The film is a Christmas drama which was also written by Kate’s son Joe Anders. The plot will revolve around a “fractured group of siblings [who] pull together under sudden and trying circumstances”. It is set in present-day England.
According to Netflix, “Helen Mirren stars as an ill yet quick-witted mother who orchestrates a final farewell on her own terms in Kate Winslet’s moving directorial debut.” It is set at Christmas, so perfect for those who would like a break from the cheery Hallmark Christmas flicks.
Where can I watch Goodbye June?
Goodbye June is available to stream on Netflix.
For more Christmas films, click here. And for more Toni Collette flicks, click here.
