Taylor Russell Fired from “The Thomas Crown Affair”—Michael B. Jordan Replaces Her with Latina Actress Amid Rumored Past Romance
Whew, the behind-the-scenes tea is scalding on the upcoming remake of The Thomas Crown Affair!
Taylor Russell — the stunning and critically acclaimed Black actress known for Waves and Bones and All — has officially exited her role in Amazon MGM Studios’ high-profile reboot of The Thomas Crown Affair. And while the studio is trying to spin her departure as “creative differences,” the internet sleuths (and a few insiders) are telling a very different story.
Here’s what we know so far: Production on the film, which is currently underway in London, is being directed by none other than Michael B. Jordan himself — who also stars in the movie. Taylor was originally cast opposite Michael as the film’s leading lady. But that didn’t last long.
According to reports, Taylor only shot one day before she was abruptly let go. Multiple sources online claim that her performance on set “was not improving” throughout the shoot day — a not-so-subtle way of saying she wasn’t giving what needed to be given. Whether that’s true or just a cover story is up for debate.
But here’s where things get really messy.
Last year, Taylor and Michael were rumored to be more than just friends. The two were spotted out together in what appeared to be a very cozy, possibly romantic dinner date, and the speculation was swirling. So now people are wondering: Did that rumored romance turn sour? And if so, did it impact her job?
While no one’s confirming anything (of course), the optics are eyebrow-raising. Firing a talented Black actress from your movie after just one day, especially when you may have had a personal relationship with her? Yeah… people are talking.
And who did Taylor get replaced with? Enter Adria Arjona, a gorgeous Latina actress who’s been steadily rising in Hollywood. Adria has officially taken over the role as Michael B. Jordan’s on-screen love interest. And while she’s certainly talented, many fans are side-eyeing the casting switch.
This isn’t just a casting update — it’s turning into a full-blown controversy, especially within Black Hollywood, where fans are already sensitive to how few opportunities exist for Black women to lead blockbuster love stories. The fact that a Black director and leading man may have replaced one of the few Black women in a high-profile project is not sitting right with everyone.
To make it even juicier, this new Thomas Crown Affair also stars Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira, Pilou Asbæk, and Aiysha Hart. The film, originally made famous by the 1968 Steve McQueen classic (and later reimagined with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo), is scheduled to hit theaters on March 5, 2027.
So yes, it’s going to be a big deal — but it already is for reasons that have nothing to do with box office sales.
One thing’s for sure: Taylor Russell fans are watching closely… and they’re not happy.