John Boyega was meant to star in Rebel Ridge, but abruptly left halfway through filming

Rebel Ridge has hit the Netflix charts with the same get-go that Terry Richmond had trying to get back his money. However, the iconic lead role, played by Aaron Pierre, actually has a lot more lore behind it than you might originally think. Director Jeremy Saulnier has opened up in an interview about the protagonists’ original casting, John Boyega, who abruptly left the Rebel Ridge film set halfway through filming.

There are many sides to this story, but according to The Hollywood Reporter who spoke to an insider, John Boyega simply walked out of the Rebel Ridge set and didn’t tell anyone. Apparently, “the filmmakers only discovered when they looked for him at his hotel and found that he had checked out.”

via Netflix

The source also claimed that “there seemed to be no one incident that prompted Boyega to leave in the midst of shooting.” However, several insiders reported “the star had myriad issues ranging from the script to his accommodations.”

The Hollywood Reporter also claimed even Netflix’s top executives tried convince him to return to filming, but he couldn’t be swayed.

However, Boyega’s agent had a much different story to tell. He issued a statement that basically said Boyega had left due to personal issues: “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 UpperRoom [his production company].”

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Director Jeremy Saulnier has finally made his own comment on what went down between the cast. He told Vulture that “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.” I’m just as clueless as I was at the beginning of all this drama to be honest.

via Netflix

He did speak about how “re-energised” meeting Aaron Pierre made him feel about the setback: “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.

“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.” Felt like you needed each other or needed a role filled and a paycheck? There isn’t much difference in Hollywood I guess.

“The way he presented himself, his immediate interest and investment and dedication, was uplifting and immediately re-energised me. 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.” Well, I guess it all worked out well in the end then.

Rebel Ridge is available to watch on Netflix now – For all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes, like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. 

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• Here’s where the small town of Shelby Springs in Netflix’s Rebel Ridge is set IRL