The 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' actor has left movie bosses scrambling for replacement as the star abruptly pulled out of the project because of undisclosed family issues.
- Jun 4, 2021
AceShowbiz - Production on upcoming Netflix movie "Rebel Ridge" has been halted after leading man John Boyega abruptly bowed out due to undisclosed "family reasons."
The "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" actor had been in the middle of filming the thriller in Louisiana when he was forced to depart the project, prompting officials to pause production as they race to find a replacement.
In a statement issued to Deadline, a Netflix representative says, "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 (writer/director) Jeremy Saulnier's extraordinary film and look forward to resuming production."
Boyega was initially cast in "Rebel Ridge" in late 2019, but work on the movie was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with shooting only getting underway on 3 May (21).
The film, which reportedly explores systematic American injustice, is also set to star Don Johnson, James Badge Dale, James Cromwell, AnnaSophia Robb, and Emory Cohen.
John Boyega was last seen in the big screen in "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker". Last year, he starred in Steve McQueen's critically-acclaimed anthology series "Small Axe".
He will next return to cinema with drama "Naked Singularity" and sci-fi comedy "They Cloned Tyrone".
The actor is also announced to reprise his "Attack the Block" role for the upcoming sequel.
"It's been a decade since Attack the Block was released and so much has changed since then," director Joe Cornish said. "I'm excited to see this heightened story return to the streets of London. Moses has remained one of my favourite characters to play and bringing him back is a huge honour."
