Madonna's film gets release date

NEW YORK, July 1 (UPI) -- The Weinstein Co. says it plans to release Madonna's film "W.E." theatrically this December in New York and Los Angeles.

The announcement was made Wednesday by TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein and TWC President of Theatrical Distribution and Home Entertainment Erik Lomis.

"Madonna beautifully interweaves past and present in 'W.E.' It's a very smart film, and a stunning feature directorial debut," Weinstein said in a statement. "I'm incredibly excited about this movie and I wanted to give it a prominent release date."

The big-screen romance marks the pop star's narrative feature directorial debut. It stars Abbie Cornish, Andrea Riseborough, James D'Arcy, Richard Coyle and Oscar Isaac.

The film will follow up its limited Dec. 9 release by expanding to additional markets throughout the month, with wide release anticipated by mid-January. The release schedule is timed for awards season.

The movie ties together the stories of American Wallis Simpson and Britain's King Edward VIII, who famously gave up the throne to marry the woman he loved, with that of an unhappily married woman living six decades later.

Simpson and Edward were minor characters in this year's Best Picture Oscar winner "The King's Speech," which Weinstein also produced.