The Happy Prince: Rupert Everett transformed in biopic of Oscar Wilde’s life

The first trailer for a new biopic of Oscar Wilde’s life has been released.

Rupert Everett stars as the enigmatic gay writer in a film he also wrote and directed.

The Happy Prince, due in cinemas June 15, is a biographical drama based on Wilde’s final years and his imprisonment for homosexuality.

Rupert Everett

Everett, 58, looks unrecognisable as he transforms into the iconic historical figure.

The film also features Academy Award-winner Colin Filth as Reggie Turner, a friend and contemporary of Wilde.

Colin Morgan, Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson, Anna Chancellor and Edwin Thomas also feature in the upcoming film.

A synopsis for the film outlines: “The film opens in Paris, where Wilde, by now in his forties, penniless and in poor health, is still reeling after being imprisoned in England for his love affair with Lord Alfred ‘Bosie’ Douglas (Colin Morgan).

“Out of prison but a pariah, Wilde swings between grief and a determination to wrest whatever pleasure and beauty he can from the time he has left.

“His body ailing and heavy, his mind spinning, he survives by falling back on the flamboyant irony and brilliant wit that defined him.


“Everett’s Wilde is tortured but determined to remain true to himself. His thoughts are filled with love and betrayal and permeated with those closest to him: Bosie, his literary agent Robbie Ross (Edwin Thomas), his great friend Reggie Turner (Colin Firth) and his estranged wife Constance (Emily Watson).

“As the film travels through Wilde’s final act, and journeys from England to France and Italy, desire and loyalty face off, the transience of lust is laid bare, and the true riches of love are revealed.”

The Happy Prince will be released in UK cinemas on 15 June 2018.