Abbie Cornish is being pursued by Madonna to take a prominent role in a film based on the abdication of Edward VIII.

The movie, W.E., tells parallel tales about Wallis Simpson in the 1930s and a contemporary woman called Wally Winthrop, who has romantic problems of her own – in addition to the fact that she’s obsessed with the Duchess of Windsor’s life.

Cornish, who starred opposite Ben Whishaw in Jane Campion’s film Bright Star, is being pursued to play the part of Wally.

Vera Farmiga is set to portray the duchess.

Madonna has written the script for the film with Alek Keshishian, who directed the Madonna: Truth or Dare tour documentary in 1991.

The superstar singer will direct the project and is having a firm say in who she wants to play the major characters in the film.

Filming is expected to begin in June on locations in London and surrounding counties, with short forays to New York and the south of France.

Source: Herald Sun