"you have to shoot more than you can use."
Simone Ashley’s role in the upcoming Formula One drama F1 has been cut from the final version of the film, despite early excitement around her casting.
The Bridgerton star was announced as part of the high-profile ensemble in July 2024.
She joined a cast that includes Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Kim Bodnia and Javier Bardem.
The film centres on a veteran driver, played by Brad Pitt, who comes out of retirement to race alongside a fresh-faced rookie (Damson Idris).
Simone had been photographed on set during filming at various Formula One races.
In the final cut, Simone briefly appears on screen but she has no dialogue.
Director Joseph Kosinski addressed the change, saying:
“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.”
The revelation has prompted complaints from fans, with one writing:
“This is ridiculous!!! How could y’all do this to the wonderful and talented Simone Ashley???”
Another said: “They fumbled hard, I don’t give a s**t about Brad Pitt I want to see HER.”
A third added: “She’s already been doing promo for this damn movie and they cut her… please don’t tell me she found out at the premiere.”
Simone Ashley has not commented on the final cut, but in a previous interview, she described the production as a unique experience.
She said: “I have a very small part, but I’m grateful to be in that movie.
“I got to experience many Grand Prix. I don’t think I’ll ever do anything like that again.”
In March 2025, she explained how long her involvement had been in the works.
“I met for this movie, I think, before Bridgerton even came out. It’s been a long time, and you know, it’s Damson and Brad’s movie. I’m just so grateful that I can be part of it.”
She also revealed how tight the filming schedule was, with production taking place during live Formula One events.
“You had to work as a team. Sometimes we literally had one take for certain shots. Like, you’d see on the call sheet eight minutes to get this one thing because we were shooting alongside the races.
“It was amazing, the adrenaline. It was kind of like theatre. It felt so live.”
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