Why did Taylor Russell suddenly walk off Michael B. Jordan’s ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’?

Creative differences cited as Taylor Russell abruptly exits Michael B. Jordan’s thriller remake mid-shoot in London.

In a move that’s already raising eyebrows in Hollywood, Taylor Russell has exited The Thomas Crown Affair remake just as filming ramps up in London. While official word pins the departure on “creative differences,” insiders and fans alike are speculating there may be more to the story.

Russell had been cast opposite Michael B. Jordan in the high-stakes thriller, playing an insurance investigator entangled with a suave executive suspected of masterminding elaborate heists. The role has legacy weight: it was first played by Faye Dunaway in the 1968 original and later by Rene Russo in the 1999 Pierce Brosnan version. Losing Russell mid-production leaves a gaping hole in one of the film’s most iconic dynamics.

While the studio scrambles to recast, the internet isn’t waiting. Fans quickly lit up X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, with theories ranging from on-set clashes to dissatisfaction with the script. Some even pointed to rumoured tension between Russell and Jordan, though no direct confirmation has surfaced. Others speculated that Russell, who’s rapidly building an arthouse résumé, may have felt misaligned with the commercial direction of the project.

One Deadline commenter wrote, “Creative differences lol. Sure. Would love the truth.” Another added, “She shouldn’t be casted again. Nor insurable,” fuelling speculation that the departure wasn’t entirely amicable.

Despite the setback, Russell’s career shows no signs of slowing down. She’s set to star in Korean thriller Hope, a Frank Ocean film, and is in talks for a remake of Single White Female opposite Jenna Ortega.

Meanwhile, The Thomas Crown Affair remains on track for its March 2027 release, assuming its crown jewel can be quickly replaced.