Kate Winslet’s Directorial Debut Inspired By Son’s Screenwriting Project

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Kate Winslet recently shared the story of how a school project of her son’s unexpectedly led her to direct her first film, “Goodbye June.” The acclaimed actress is known for her roles in popular movies and TV shows like “Titanic,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “The Holiday,” “Mare of Easttown,” and “Avatar: The Way of Water.” She also has upcoming projects including “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and, of course, her directorial debut, “Goodbye June.”

Besides the recent Avatar film, Kate Winslet has a new movie called Goodbye June. She not only acts in it, but she also directed it, using a script written by her son, Joe Anders. While promoting the film on Netflix, she told Liam Crowley from Ebaster the story behind her first time directing a movie.

Anders is a well-known actor, having appeared in films such as 1917, Lee, Bonus Track, and I Am Ruth. He’s now expanded his talents to include writing screenplays.

His mother explained that this new chapter began when he got into screenwriting school after creating a short film. “We were simply so proud of his accomplishment,” Kate Winslet shared.

My son, Joe, has had a really interesting path. My daughter, Mia, started acting, and because she doesn’t share my last name and isn’t on social media, no one initially realized we were related. She was able to work unnoticed and establish herself. Even when she worked with Wes, he simply knew her as Mia, a new young actress. Joe had considered acting himself, with a few small roles, but he’s always been a passionate writer, and that’s always been a big part of who he is. After COVID, he finally wrote a short film, applied to screenwriting school, and got in. We were incredibly proud of him for achieving that.

Her son spent six months writing a screenplay, and it was a very demanding process. After finishing it, he hesitantly asked his mother if she would read it.

According to Winslet, Anders was hesitant to let her read the script, almost as if he didn’t want her to. But once she did, she immediately recognized his talent. The characters were well-developed, and the dialogue felt incredibly realistic and natural.

He spent six months intensely focused on writing a screenplay, keeping the plot a secret from me. When he finally finished a draft, he was hesitant to let me read it, rambling about it being unfinished and just a first attempt. I cut him off and asked to see it. He handed it over, and as soon as I started reading, it was clear he had a real talent for writing. The characters were incredibly well-developed, and the dialogue was exceptional – so natural, in fact, that I found myself reading it aloud, wanting to be the characters speaking those lines.

Although Anders wrote the script just for a school assignment, Kate Winslet strongly believed it would make a great film and offered to help get it produced. She originally agreed to be a producer on the movie and also to star as the character Julia.

Actress Andrea Riseborough was eager to play the role of Molly. Kate Winslet explained that she specifically wanted to play Julie, feeling it would have been a mistake to miss the opportunity to act alongside Riseborough.

I told him, ‘You wrote a film, and we’re going to make it!’ He was surprised, explaining it was just a school assignment – he’d written it to challenge himself. Even after several drafts, it was still a bit long, but in great shape. I planned to produce it and act as one of the sisters. I’d also shared the script with Andrea Riseborough when she asked what my son was working on. She was interested in playing the character Molly, and I realized I had to play Julia – I couldn’t miss the chance to act opposite her.

After Kate Winslet decided directing wasn’t for her, the screenplay was shared with other directors. Determined to see the project succeed, Winslet ultimately took on the role herself – a first for the acclaimed actress known for films like Titanic and Avatar.

Winslet shared that even if she doesn’t direct another movie, making this film was an incredible experience, and she enjoyed every moment of it.

She described the experience as deeply satisfying and positive from beginning to end. When she took on the role of director, she intentionally created a calmer, more focused atmosphere – with a smaller crew and a quiet set – so she could best support the actors.

I reached a point where I was supposed to pass the project on to directors, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I told Joe we needed to keep it, that it was too good to let go. I didn’t want him to miss seeing the story and characters brought to life by the actors we’d always dreamed of working with – and they had all agreed to participate! That’s how I ended up directing it myself. Even if I never get the chance to do something like this again, it’s been an incredible experience. I enjoyed every moment and didn’t want it to end. Being involved in every step of the process, from start to finish, and finally completing it just a month ago was deeply satisfying. It was incredibly rewarding to build relationships with the actors, support them, and create a unique and focused environment on set – we had a small, supportive crew who helped me prioritize the actors and minimize distractions.

The finished film, titled Goodbye June, is now playing in some cinemas and will be available on Netflix Christmas Eve. The movie features a talented cast including Kate Winslet, Andrea Riseborough, Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Timothy Spall, Helen Mirren, Stephen Merchant, Fisayo Akinade, Jeremy Swift, Raza Jaffrey, and Benjamin Shortland.

Goodbye June, a film currently rated 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, follows a mother facing a terminal illness during the holidays. As Christmas approaches, her children reunite to cope with their grief and work through old family problems.

Kate Winslet comes from a family deeply involved in the entertainment world. Her son is now writing screenplays, and her daughter, Mia Threapleton, is also an actress. Winslet herself is a celebrated performer, known for films like Titanic and an Academy Award win. Recently, she’s taken on a new role – director – thanks to a school project by her son, Anders.

Goodbye June will be released on Netflix on December 24, 2025.

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2025-12-16 19:33