Washington DC [US], June 20: Bridgerton star Simone Ashley was initially cast in the upcoming racing drama F1 alongside Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, but her scenes were ultimately removed from the final cut of the film, according to People Magazine.
Director Joseph Kosinski confirmed the change, noting that some storylines had to be dropped during the editing process. “It happens on every film, where you have to shoot more than you can use. There were two or three storylines that ultimately didn’t make it into the final cut,” he told People.
Despite the cut, Kosinski praised Ashley’s performance and expressed interest in collaborating with her in the future. “She’s an incredible talent, incredible actress, incredible singer, and I would love to work with her again,” he added.
Ashley has not publicly responded to the news of her reduced role.
Earlier this month, she spoke to ELLE, reflecting on her brief time in the film. “I have a very small part, but I’m grateful to be in that movie. I got to experience many Grand Prix. I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like that again,” she said.
She also revealed in an interview with Who What Wear that she first auditioned for F1 before Bridgerton even aired. “It’s been a long time, and you know, it’s Damson and Brad’s movie. I’m just so grateful that I can be part of it. Sometimes we literally had one take for certain shots… because we were shooting alongside the races.”
The official synopsis of F1 reveals that Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former racing prodigy from the 1990s whose career was nearly ended by an accident. Decades later, he is approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem) to join a failing Formula 1 team for a final shot at glory.
As Sonny returns to the track, he must confront his past and prove himself once more in a world where teammates can be fierce rivals.
The film also stars Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and Samson Kayo. Notably, Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton serves as one of the producers.
F1 is set to hit theatres on June 27.