John Boyega Quits Multi-Million-Dollar Netflix Movie Mid-Production Over Hotel Room And Script Complaints
June 24 2021, Published 11:01 a.m. ET
John Boyega cited "family reasons" when he unprecedentedly abandoned the starring role in an upcoming Netflix film – mid-production – but sources are now claiming that excuse was just a front.
The 29-year-old English actor was cast to play the lead in the streaming platform's movie Rebel Ridge, but in early June, he dipped out for what he and Netflix attributed to personal issues.
But insiders told The Hollywood Reporter that Boyega actually walked away from filming because he had a plethora of concerns, ranging from the script to his accommodations. They added that there was not one specific incident that led to his exit.
According to one source with knowledge of the situation, filmmakers only realized Boyega had bounced when they looked for him at the hotel he was staying and learned he had checked out.
Sources told the publication that top Netflix executives tried to persuade the actor to return to the set but were unsuccessful.
As a result of the star's departure, dozens of crew members were reportedly let go, and the production quickly disbanded. But insiders say the showrunners' plan is to cast a new lead and resume filming early next year.
The movie – whose budget is believed to be in the $25 million range – had already been delayed for over a year because of COVID-19.
One industry veteran unaffiliated with the film spoke to THR and said they could not cite an instance in wh