(NewsNation) — Simone Ashley, best known for the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” had her role cut from the upcoming film “F1,” according to reports.
It was announced last July that Ashley, 30, would be part of the film along with Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, and she was seen in photos on the set. However, she was almost completely removed from the film except for one scene in which she has no dialogue, according to People.
When asked about the change, 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 it into the final cut.
“But Simone, she’s an incredible talent, incredible actress, incredible singer, and I would love to work with her again,” he said.
‘Bridgerton’ star Simone Ashley says filming for ‘F1’ was a ‘crazy’ experience
Ashley spoke with Elle earlier this month and said that making the film was a “crazy” experience. She told the outlet, “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, she told Who What Wear that the planning for the film had been “going for years.”
“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 said.
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner poses for a photo with Simone Ashley in the pitlane ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 29, 2022, in Monte-Carlo. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) 
Simone Ashley looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2025 in Monte-Carlo. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images) 
Apple executive Jamie Erlicht, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, actor and producer Brad Pitt, British Formula 1 driver and co-producer Lewis Hamilton, Apple CEO Tim Cook, British actor Damson Idris, Apple’s senior vice president of Services Eddy Cue and Apple executive Zack Van Amburg attend the world premiere of “F1.” (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images) 
Damson Idris and Jerry Bruckheimer at the “F1” New York premiere on June 16, 2025. (Photo by Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images) 
The world premiere of the “F1” draws huge crowds as the world premiere takes place in New York’s Times Square on June 16, 2025. Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images) 
Drivers pose for a photo as they visit the Rockefeller Center after the World Premiere of “F1” on June 16, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) 
George Russell arrives to the “F1” world premiere in Times Square on June 16, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) 
Charles Leclerc arrives to the “F1” world premiere in Times Square on June 16, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) 
Brad Pitt, from left, Lewis Hamilton and Damson Idris attend Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “F1” world premiere on June 16, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/FilmMagic)
Since the film was shot during actual Formula One races, she said the cast and crew were on tight deadlines.
“Sometimes we literally had one take for certain shots. Like, you’d see on the call sheet 8 minutes to get this one thing because we were shooting alongside the races,” she said. “It was amazing, the adrenaline. It was kind of like theater. It felt so live.”
The upcoming movie has a star-studded soundtrack featuring music from Chris Stapleton, Blackpink’s Rosé and Tate McRae, among others. “F1” is set to premiere in theaters on June 27.
Brad Pitt prepping for more headlines
Ahead of the movie’s release, reports are claiming that “F1” star Brad Pitt has “cut off” his two oldest adopted sons. However, a friend of Pitt told NewsNation’s Paula Froelich that “it’s all… to be expected.”
“Anytime Brad has a major project out or is in the news for something good, all these stories get ‘leaked’ that try to damage him… We all know where these stories come from. Angelina can’t stand it when Brad does well,” the source said.
The source also said Pitt has never cut off any of his children.
“If anyone blew their legacy, it would be Angelina. Chateau Miraval was supposed to be for the kids — their legacy. Angelina sold her half for cash. Brad still has his half, and it is to be left for the children. All of them,” they said.