Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey drops out of new comedy
Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey has dropped out of new comedy project Maria.
According to Variety, the actor and his co-star Felicity Jones (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) have both left the movie due to scheduling conflicts. Replacements have yet to be announced.
Written and directed by Simon Amstell, the movie tells the story of Maria, a woman who struggles to accept her age and a challenging relationship with her terminally-ill father.
Related: Bridgerton filming locations – where is the Netflix period drama filmed?
However, Maria soon spots an opportunity to feel young, free and desirable at her father's wedding, where she meets Raffy, her new stepbrother.
Jones was set to lead the feature as protagonist Maria, while Bailey was to play Maria's boyfriend Eddie. Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs is still on board to play Maria's father.
The film, which was first launched at Cannes two years ago, has paused production following the casting changes. Attempts to re-cast the characters were put on hold after last year's SAG-AFTRA strike, which led to director Amstell focusing on other projects.
Bailey is set to return to screens soon for Bridgerton's anticipated third season, which will launch in two parts this spring.
Related: Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan reveals what was different and "free" about new Channel 4 role
While season two focused on Anthony Bridgerton (Bailey) and Kate Sharma's (Simone Ashley) love story, season three will shift the focus to Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan).
Bailey will finish the year by starring as Fiyero in the big-screen version of musical Wicked, joining Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
The first movie of two, Wicked: Part One will debut in late November with an all-star cast also including the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Bowen Yang.
Maria doesn't have a release date yet. Bridgerton seasons 1-2 are streaming now on Netflix, along with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Season 3 premieres in two parts, on May 16 and June 13.
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