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Rebel Ridge is a Netflix crime action movie released on September 6, 2024. The film is written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier, known for his iconic thriller works including Blue Ruin, Hold the Dark and Green Room.
The movie revolves around an ex-marine veteran Terry Richmond, who goes to the town of Shelby Springs to bail his cousin out. But he is stopped halfway by some corrupted racist cops, who seize his money, falsely accusing him of drug peddling. Rebel Ridge narrates the journey of Terry, to save his cousin and seek justice.
According to a Variety article, published on November 7, 2024, John Boyega was first cast to play the role of Terry Richmond. The filming was supposed to begin in April 2020 but was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the shooting restarted in May 2020, it was announced that Boyega had left the project.
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His managers clarified that the abrupt exit was completely due to family reasons. Later in October of the same year, Alan Pierre was selected to replace Boyega.
Reports say John Boyega was not satisfied with the Rebel Ridge project
After his abrupt exit, John Boyega's managers clarified that it was completely due to personal reasons but still, eyes were raised as this kind of sudden abandonment is not usual. There had been rumours that Boyega argued with the team, and left without notice. He was also unsatisfied with the accommodation provided, and the team only comprehended the issue, when they noticed he had checked out of the hotel room.
Boyega didn't return to the sets even after requests from Netflix's top officials, including co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Scott Stuber, the head of Global Films. As per The Hollywood Reporter, posted on June 23, 2021, Boyega shared resentment with the project, especially the script for Rebel Ridge. Amidst the rumours, the actor's London-based agent, Femi Oguns denied the allegations. He said,
“I can categorically say that these rumours are completely untrue,” he wrote. “People will form their opinions often rooted from boredom. As stated John unfortunately left due to family reasons which in truth is none of anyone’s business except his own. John and Netflix have a wonderful relation which will continue to grow for years to come whether that be through his acting or through UpperRoom.”
In a conversation with Vulture, posted on September 6, 2024, the director of Rebel Ridge, Jeremy Saulnier clarified that he didn't share any disagreement with Boyega. He said,
"When John left the film, it was inevitable and out of respect for all parties involved; I can’t get into the details of it", he added, "But every party would agree, it was the right situation. It had to be that way."
After rejecting the film, Boyega did a Netflix film, They Cloned Tyrone, which also shows there is no love lost between him and the streaming platform.
Aaron Pierre became a worthy replacement for John Boyega in Rebel Ridge
After John Boyega's unexpected exit in June 2021, the production of Rebel Ridge was kept on pause. In conversation with Vulture, Saulnier shared his journey of finding the most suitable actor to fit his vision of Terry Richmond.
"When John left the film, it was inevitable and out of respect for all parties involved; I can’t get into the details of it. But every party would agree, it was the right situation. It had to be that way. And I was willing to risk the movie unless I found the one and only true Terry Richmond.
Saulnier further states,
The search was insanely short, because within weeks, I had a Zoom call in Louisiana with Aaron Pierre, and I knew in less than two minutes that this is the guy. We had a very deep conversation. We were at this perfect crossroads, his career, my career. It did not seem in any way desperate, but it felt like we needed each other at that time."
The 30-year-old English actor, Aaron Pierre had earlier appeared in Berry Jenkins's 2021 period drama series The Underground Railroad. The same year, he also played the role of an ageing rapper in M. Night Shyamalan's thriller Old. Aaron was selected for the movie in October 2021. Rebel Ridge turned out to be a huge step in Pierre's film career.
The movie went on to gross over $ 31 million, in the very first three days. Standing at 6'3, Pierre became the perfect embodiment of Terry Richmond, a strong black man towering over the corrupted police officers, not afraid to fight for justice. Aaron Pierre will voice the character of young Mufasa in Barry Jenkin's Lion King live-action prequel. The movie is set to hit the theatres on December 20, 2024.
Rebel Ridge is available for streaming on Netflix. Follow us for news and updates on the latest movies and TV shows.
