Having only recently completed his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, before starring in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series, John Boyega is one of Hollywood’s hot properties, well known for his impassioned dedication to each role he undertakes. In light of recent claims, however, the actor has denied that he walked away from the Netflix movie Rebel Ridge halfway through production without telling anyone.
It was reported earlier in 2021 that he had exited the film due to “family reasons”, though multiple other sources claim that “Boyega simply walked away from the production with filming underway”. Claims from one person working on set also claim that the “filmmakers only discovered [Boyega had exited the film] when they looked for him at his hotel and found that he had checked out”.
Claims that Boyega did indeed walk from the production have been refuted by the actor’s agent Femi Oguns, writing in an email response, “I can categorically say that these rumours are completely untrue. People will form their opinions often rooted from boredom”.
Continuing, the statement read, “As stated, John, unfortunately, left due to family reasons which, in truth, is none of anyone’s business except his own. John and Netflix have a wonderful relationship which will continue to grow for years to come whether that be through his acting or through [Boyega’s production company] UpperRoom”.
With filming beginning on the project on May 3rd in Louisiana, Netflix have released a statement addressing the situation, stating, “Rebel Ridge is pausing temporarily as we look to re-cast John Boyega who needed to leave the project for family reasons…we remain committed to Jeremy Saulnier’s extraordinary film and look forward to resuming production”.
The news joins John Boyega’s recent desire to replace Regé-Jean Page in Bridgerton, expressed in a THR drama actor roundtable.
