Why Was Simone Ashley Cut From 'F1'?

If you were excited to see Bridgerton star Simone Ashley in the new film F1, I’ve got some bad news for you. Her role has been removed from the film except for a brief appearance with no lines of dialogue. This must suck for Ashley, given that she has already been on the promotional trail for the movie. But it’s nothing personal. It’s Hollywood.

When asked about the decision by People, director Joseph Kosinski said:

“It happens on every film, where you have to shoot more than you can use. There were two or three storylines that ultimately didn’t make into the final cut. But Simone, she’s an incredible talent, incredible actress, incredible singer, and I would love to work with her again.

In fairness, this isn’t uncommon. Sometimes, actors spend a lot of time making a movie and then find out they’re no longer in it, or their part has been reduced to mere cameo status. Look at Kosinski’s last movie, Top Gun: Maverick, and how Manny Jacinto seemed like such a non-presence in it. How much of his part was left on the cutting room floor? At least Ashley has good company.

Ashley told Elle recently that she had ‘a very small part’ and that production had been a very long process that involved filming at multiple Formula One races. It sounds like she had a good experience and it’s not like they took away her payday, but it must undeniably suck to be cut. You spend so long making a film only for there to be no final product to show off.

On the bright side, she no longer has to hang around with Brad Pitt.