The director of Rebel Ridge has revealed why John Boyega walked away from the movie halfway through filming.
Jeremy Saulnier, the creative mind behind Netflix’s number one film in the globe, has expanded in an interview on the Star Wars star leaving the film.
Boyega was set to take the starring role of Terry Richmond, which was eventually played by Aaron Pierre.
Halfway through filming, however, Boyega left.
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The Hollywood Reporter claimed: “According to one person with knowledge of the situation, the filmmakers only discovered [Boyega had exited the film] when they looked for him at his hotel and found that he had checked out.
“According to sources, there seemed to be no one incident that prompted Boyega to leave in the midst of shooting. Several insiders, however, say the star had myriad issues ranging from the script to his accommodations."
The Hollywood Reporter went on to claim that Netflix’s top executives reached out to try convince him to return to set, but were unable to do so.
This was disputed by Boyega’s agent, who claims he left due to personal issues.
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He issued a statement saying: “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 [his production company] UpperRoom.”
In an interview with Vulture, however, Saulnier has commented on the controversy finally.
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He said: “When John left the film, it was inevitable and out of respect for all parties involved; I can’t get into the details of it.
“But every party would agree, it was the right situation. It had to be that way.”
Regarding replacing Boyega he said: “I was willing to risk the movie unless I found the one and only true Terry Richmond.
“The search was insanely short, because within weeks, I had a Zoom call in Louisiana with Aaron Pierre, and I knew in less than two minutes that this is the guy.
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“We had a very deep conversation. We were at this perfect crossroads, his career, my career. It did not seem in any way desperate, but it felt like we needed each other at that time.
“The way he presented himself, his immediate interest and investment and dedication, was uplifting and immediately reenergized me.”
Saulnier went on to add: “Netflix was insanely supportive of giving Aaron the opportunity. And no one who’s seen the film can imagine a version of this without Aaron Pierre.”
Rebel Ridge is available to watch on Netflix now
Topics: Netflix, Film, Star Wars, TV and Film
Michael Slavin