‘Bad Bridgets’ adds Colin Farrell and star packed cast before Netflix filming begins

Inspired by a true history book, the Irish period thriller will begin filming in Northern Ireland during July 2026

Netflix has assembled an impressive ensemble for its upcoming Irish period thriller Bad Bridgets, with Colin Farrell, Steve Coogan, Charlie Heaton, Domhnall Gleeson, Himesh Patel, Niamh Algar and Simone Kirby joining previously announced leads Emilia Jones and Alison Oliver.

The film, directed by Kneecap filmmaker Rich Peppiatt, is scheduled to begin production in Northern Ireland during July 2026. The project represents another major collaboration between Netflix and production company LuckyChap, which is producing the film alongside Peppiatt and Trevor Birney under their Coup d'Etat Films banner.

Bad Bridgets is inspired by the non fiction book Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem, and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women by historians Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick. Drawing on real historical research, the story explores the experiences of Irish women who emigrated during the Great Famine in the 19th century.

The film follows two sisters, played by Emilia Jones and Alison Oliver, who flee famine stricken Ireland in an attempt to escape poverty, hunger and an abusive father. Their dangerous journey takes them to New York, where they become part of a growing community of Irish immigrant women commonly referred to as "Bridgets". Rather than finding an easy new life, they become caught up in crime and disorder as they struggle to survive in an unfamiliar city.

The supporting cast brings together acclaimed performers from film and television. Colin Farrell continues to expand his diverse slate following acclaimed performances in The Banshees of Inisherin and In Bruges. Steve Coogan adds further prestige after award recognised work in Philomena, while Charlie Heaton remains widely known for his role in Stranger Things. Domhnall Gleeson, Himesh Patel, Niamh Algar and Simone Kirby complete a cast featuring several leading Irish and British actors.

Behind the camera, the production has also assembled an award winning creative team. Ryan Kernaghan, who won a BAFTA for his cinematography on Kneecap, will serve as director of photography. Production design will be handled by Academy Award and BAFTA winner James Price, recognised for his work on Poor Things. Costume design will come from Academy Award and BAFTA winner Holly Waddington, whose recent credits include Frankenstein.

The project has been developed with support from Queen's University Belfast and receives backing from Northern Ireland Screen, continuing the region's growing reputation as a major production hub for international film and television projects.

Interest in Bad Bridgets has been building since it emerged that Netflix had secured worldwide distribution. The streaming platform announced its involvement earlier this year after the adaptation was first developed from the acclaimed historical book, which examines the overlooked lives of Irish emigrant women and challenges long held stereotypes about their place in history.

For Rich Peppiatt, the project follows the critical success of Kneecap, which earned widespread praise for its distinctive storytelling and authentic portrayal of contemporary Irish culture. With Bad Bridgets, the filmmaker moves into historical drama while retaining a strong Irish perspective.

With production set to begin shortly, Bad Bridgets combines an acclaimed director, an award winning technical team and a distinguished international cast. Netflix is positioning the film as one of its major period productions, bringing a little known chapter of Irish and American history to a global audience through an ambitious historical thriller.