John Boyega’s management has denied reports that the famed Star Wars actor left production on Rebel Ridge earlier this month without telling anyone. Initial reports after Boyega made the move from Louisiana back to his home nation of England were that he left suddenly due to family reasons. However, recent reports have questioned these claims, stating instead that Boyega’s reasons for leaving had more to do with the production itself.
Production on Rebel Ridge – filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier’s follow up to 2018’s Hold the Dark – was delayed for over a year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A solid synopsis of the film has yet to arrive, with all that’s known about it being an action-thriller that takes aim at America’s social injustices through “bone-breaking action sequences, suspense and dark humor.” Boyega was originally cast as the film’s lead alongside AnnaSophia Robb and Don Johnson, but departed just a week into filming. Citing family reasons, Boyega made it clear that he would not be returning to the production and plans were underway to recast the role. At present, it’s still not known who will be cast in Boyega’s former role, but recent word on the production has taken a bit of a dramatic turn, with accusations made that Boyega’s departure wasn’t quite what it was originally made out to be.
According to Indie Wire, at least one source associated with Rebel Ridge has said that Boyega walked away from the production without telling anyone, and that the star had issues with the script and his accommodations. It was also stated that top Netflix executives – including the streaming giant’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, made extensive efforts to keep Boyega on the film. These claims, however, were shot down by Boyega’s agent, Femi Oguns, who reiterated that his client’s departure was exclusively down to family reasons. Read the statement below:
I can categorically say that these rumors are completely untrue. People will form their opinions often rooted from boredom. 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 relation which will continue to grow for years to come whether that be through his acting or through [Boyega’s production company] UpperRoom.
One indication that accusations of Boyega leaving for anything other than the family reasons he originally cited are false is that his relationship with Netflix remains intact. The upcoming They Cloned Tyrone is still set for release on the streamer, and there has been nothing to suggest that Boyega isn’t as welcome at Netflix as he’s always been. What’s more, it’s hard to believe that someone in Boyega’s position wouldn’t behave more professionally than simply walking off a film because he had issues with the script and accommodation. Even the most notoriously difficult actors rarely – if ever – leave a project for such petty reasons.
It will be more than a little intrusive if Boyega ends up making a public statement over his decision to leave production on Rebel Ridge. At present, it does seem that there’s a bit of a push to learn exactly why he departed when he did, but as he’s already stated that family reasons led him to make the decision, the issue should be left alone. The most important aspect of these entirely unfortunate circumstances are that Boyega’s family has encountered something personal that doesn’t require further clarification. It’s safe to say that fans are thinking of him and his family at this time and are looking forward to his future projects.
Source: Indie Wire