New Report Alleges John Boyega Walked Off Jeremy Saulnier's 'Rebel Ridge' Mid-Shoot Over Issues With The Script & Accommodations

Earlier this month, it was announced that actor John Boyega was exiting an upcoming Netflix project, “Rebel Ridge,” from filmmaker Jeremy Saulnier (“Green Room“). Actors leaving productions isn’t uncommon, but it’s not terribly normal for a film’s lead to exit during the filming and generally regarded as highly unprofessional in the film industry unless in case of emergency or some majorly untenable or contract-breaking situation. A move like this also puts hundreds of crew members out of work, such as what happened in the “Rebel Ridge” case.

READ MORE: John Boyega Exits Jeremy Saulnier’s ‘Rebel Ridge’ Mid-Shoot; Cites Family Reasons For The Departure

The initial word from Netflix about the actor’s departure was due to “family reasons,” and originally the trades claimed the film would quickly recast and resume production. However, a new report from The Hollywood Reporter claims otherwise and that production has been disbanded, thus leaving the entire crew without the jobs they were hired for. Sources told THR that Boyega left because of issues he was having with the script and accommodations allegedly. Although THR is quick to point out, they can’t point at a single event that caused the exit and mention that executives, including co-CEO Ted Sarandos, attempted to convince Boyega to return (Sources tell the trade the new plan hopes to resume shooting with a new lead actor early next year).

Boyega’s reps vehemently denied THR’s report. “I can categorically say that these rumors are completely untrue,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement that you can read in full at THR.

The wrinkle in all of this, the day of Boyega’s announced exit from “Rebel Ridge,” several hours before the report became public; a blind item appeared on Reddit. A user alleged an actor of diva behavior and then eventually walking offset because the actor (a he) did not like the script. A few hours later, Boyega’s exit was reported in the trades, and many Reddit users started alleging the blind item was about the “Rebel Ridge” actor.

‘Attack The Block 2’: John Boyega Officially Returning For Alien Invasion Comedy Sequel; Joe Cornish Set To Write & Direct

While this wouldn’t be the first case of an actor leaving over creative differences, an alleged walk-off is rare. But until John Boyega chimes in, we should be cautious about any of the spin of events — Netflix’s, THR’s sources, and Boyega’s reps. That said, with disgruntled crew members out there talking, this may not be the last of this story. Saulnier and Netflix declined to comment on this story to THR.

READ MORE: John Boyega’s Recent ‘Star Wars’ Criticisms Led To A “Transparent, Honest” Conversation With Kathleen Kennedy

It should be noted that many pandemic-era movies restrict the movements of actors to the set and their accommodations as a way to limit COVID-19 outbreaks among cast and crew. A pause on productions for days or weeks only adds undue costs to the budget, and we’ve seen more cowboy-like shoots where producers ignore industry-standard pauses by pushing through outbreaks. If someone isn’t thrilled with a place they’re forced to spend between shooting scenes, you might empathize with a perspective of not wanting to stick around.  

Last month, it was officially revealed that John Boyega would be reuniting with director Joe Cornish for a direct sequel to their British sci-fi comedy “Attack The Block.” Boyega is also coming off a difficult shoot on the last “Star Wars” trilogy, which he has voiced publicly in interviews and eventually led to constructive talks with the studio head Kathleen Kennedy.

Update: Well, something is up.