F1 Director Reveals Why Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley Was Cut From Film

Simone Ashley‘s role in F1 ultimately didn’t make it to the finish line.

The Bridgerton actress’ part in the Brad Pitt racing film, out on June 27, was reduced to a non-speaking one for a valid reason, according to the film’s director Joseph Kosinski.

“It happens on every film, where you have to shoot more than you can use,” he told People in an article published June 16, responding to online backlash over Simone’s lack of screen time.” There were two or three storylines that ultimately didn’t make into the final cut.”

Joseph went on to emphasize that he has no bad blood with 30-year-old, whose casting in the film—which costars Damson Iris, Kerry Condon and more—was originally announced in July 2024.

“But Simone, she’s an incredible talent, incredible actress, incredible singer,” he continued, “And I would love to work with her again.”

Just three months earlier, Simone spoke about her “amazing” experience filming in Abu Dhabi and touring with the Grand Prix, calling it “one of the craziest things I think I’ve ever been part of.”