Taylor Russell has officially stepped away from the upcoming Thomas Crown Affair reboot, citing “creative differences,” according to Deadline. Her departure comes as a surprise, especially after an extensive casting process that included screen tests and meetings with lead star and director Michael B. Jordan.
Russell, 31, was initially cast as the female lead in the reimagined version of the classic heist romance, which is currently filming in London. The role is now being recast.
Michael B. Jordan is not only starring in the film but also directing and producing through his Outlier Society banner, alongside longtime collaborator Elizabeth Raposo. Despite the casting shakeup, production remains underway.
Russell’s exit is particularly unexpected given the months-long effort to cast the role — including auditions and a chemistry read with Jordan in early 2025. No further details have been given regarding the exact nature of the “creative differences.”
This marks the third iteration of The Thomas Crown Affair. The original 1968 film starred Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, while the 1999 remake featured Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo in a more art-centric heist version of the story.
The latest version, set in Europe, stays rooted in the theme of sophisticated thievery and is being kept mostly under wraps. Lily Gladstone and Sir Kenneth Branagh are also attached to the project, though their roles have not yet been revealed.
The screenplay is penned by Drew Pearce (Hobbs & Shaw), with Patrick McCormick and Marc Toberoff producing. Alan Trustman, who wrote the original 1968 film, returns as an executive producer.
The romantic thriller is scheduled to hit theaters in March 2027.
