Michael B. Jordan’s Thomas Crown Remake Hit by On-Set Drama

Michael B. Jordan’s modern take on The Thomas Crown Affair has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The project, which Jordan is both directing and starring in, has faced a rocky road since its early days. In July 2025, word got out that Taylor Russell, originally cast as the female lead, had left the production. Reports pointed to creative clashes between Russell and Jordan, but the real story behind her exit remains a bit of a mystery, with different insiders offering up conflicting accounts.

Adding fuel to the fire, a social media user recently claimed the film’s wardrobe was simply bought off the rack from Bottega, suggesting there’d be none of the sharp, memorable costuming that made earlier versions stand out. The 1963 and 1999 adaptations, led by Steve McQueen and Pierce Brosnan, were both known for their style. The same user shared a comment from someone who said their mate worked on the set, hinting that wardrobe woes weren’t the only problem plaguing the shoot.

Questions Over Costumes and Creative Direction

The wardrobe controversy has surprised many, especially given the involvement of Ruth E. Carter, an Oscar-winning designer who previously worked with Jordan on Black Panther and Sinners. It was actually Russell who first announced Carter’s role in the new film. Jordan himself sounded pretty chuffed about teaming up with Carter again, telling a podcast in November 2025 that his version of the story would be more personal, with higher stakes, but still packed with fashion and romance. He said:

I didn’t want a reboot. I wanted a reimagination. The first two films were about rich white guys stealing for fun. That doesn’t land today. Ours is more personal. The stakes are higher. Still got the fashion, romance. Ruth [E. Carter] is the queen. We’ve got an incredible cast — Adria [Arjona], Kenneth [Branagh], Pilou [Asbæk], Danai [Gurira].

Despite this, fans reckon the latest drama is tied to Russell’s departure. Sources have said she left over creative differences, but the rumour mill hasn’t stopped spinning.

Taylor Russell’s Departure Sparks Speculation

Russell, who made a name for herself in Waves and Bones and All, was seen as a strong pick for the insurance investigator role. Previous versions had Faye Dunaway and Rene Russo in the part. But her abrupt exit set off a wave of speculation. Industry insider Jeff Sneider claimed Russell was let go after just one day on set, saying her performance wasn’t improving. He reported that Adria Arjona had since stepped in to fill the role.

Michael B. Jordan recast Taylor Russell in 'The Thomas Crown Affair' due to the actress reportedly shooting one day, during which time her performance "was not improving" throughout the course of the day. Adria Arjona has since taken over the role.

Plenty of fans weren’t buying that explanation. Some suggested the real reason was more personal, alleging that Jordan had made advances towards Russell on set, which she rejected, leading to her being dropped from the film.

trying to make taylor russell look like she's a bad actress when apparently the real reason she was recast is he hit on her on set but she denied him. mbj is going to hell… what a creep

Earlier in the year, the pair were spotted together at a London café, sparking romance rumours. Another source claimed Russell’s decision to leave was more about her relationship with Jordan than the script, saying, “Something had happened between Taylor and Michael.” The source added that things were already tense when filming started, and it only got worse from there.

Fans React to Production Woes

As the costume debate heated up, fans were quick to link it back to Russell’s exit. Many argued that the film’s troubles began when she was let go. Comments online ranged from disappointment over the new styling to support for Russell, with some punters saying she made the right call for her career.

First they replace Taylor Russell now the styling won’t hit like the original…

Taylor Russell vindication coming soon

Taylor Russel’s voodoo won and rightfully so

I had a feeling that Taylor Russell was dodging something. I'm not sold on MBJ as a director.

How come the clothes are so cheap for The Thomas Crown Affair remake! Yet there’s a scene with Michael B. Jordan with a Ferrari F40! Which is an expensive car to rent for this movie! Now it makes much more sense why Taylor Russell left! She made the right decision for her career!

Adria Arjona, known for her work in Andor, has now taken over the lead role. She and Jordan were seen filming together in September 2025. The cast also includes Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira, Pilou Asbæk, and Aiysha Hart. Meanwhile, Russell has lined up new projects, including a Korean film called Hope and a remake of Single White Female.

The Thomas Crown Affair is scheduled to hit cinemas on 5 March 2027.