Michael B. Jordan blamed for BTS drama as Taylor Russell exits Thomas Crown Affair remake — romance gone wrong?

Time of India

4 days ago

When Michael B. Jordan and Taylor Russell were first announced as leads in the upcoming remake of The Thomas Crown Affair, the internet was all in. Two stunning stars, a sexy art heist, and the potential for smouldering chemistry, fans were practically counting down the days. But just as fast as the hype built up, Russell announced her sudden exit. However, new reports have hinted that Michael B. Jordan may have been responsible for the drama that unfolded behind the scenes.
Taylor Russell's sudden exit from Thomas Crown leaves fans shocked
It was only recently confirmed that Taylor Russell had stepped away from The Thomas Crown Affair, citing 'creative differences' as the reason. But according to a source close to Deuxmoi, that may have just been the polite way to describe a situation that had become emotionally difficult. The tipster, shared via Deuxmoi's July 24th podcast episode of Deux/U, claimed that whatever differences there were might have had more to do with Michael B. Jordan than with the script.
As per Deuxmoi's exclusive source, 'something had happened between Taylor and Michael,' and once filming began, 'the relationship was already strained.' While it wasn't a mid-shoot fallout, the decision to walk away seemed to come from a build-up of tension that filming only intensified.
A producer with feelings? Deuxmoi connects the dots
According to film reporter Jeff Sneider, who spoke candidly on a podcast episode referenced by Deuxmoi, there was talk of 'lingering resentment' between cast members and signs that things weren't exactly smooth. He teased that during movie productions, people often get close, maybe too close, and sometimes those emotions complicate the job. Deuxmoi's intel added weight to that idea, pointing toward Jordan possibly catching real feelings for his co-star. Although there's been no official confirmation from either party, the timing of Russell's exit and the growing whispers have led many to believe that things may have gotten personally complicated.
Early rumours of Michael B. Jordan and Taylor Russell romance resurface
Back in March, fans spotted Taylor and Michael at a low-key matcha café in London's Marylebone neighbourhood. At the time, it looked like just two colleagues grabbing a drink. But now, in hindsight, many believe that was the start of something more or at least the moment when lines started to blur. While neither actor addressed the rumours publicly, the body language, the timing, and the eventual tension that followed only fuelled speculation. According to Deuxmoi's insider, the connection between them may have started before cameras ever rolled, and the shoot ended up revealing how mismatched they really were when it came to working together.
The movie may not be living up to the hype
On top of personal complications, there's also talk that The Thomas Crown Affair remake itself isn't shaping up quite as hoped. Insiders have suggested that the film, which already carries the weight of an iconic legacy, may be struggling to deliver something fresh and compelling. Some suspect this creative unease also played a part in Russell's decision to walk away. As a rising star with a sharp sense of the kinds of projects that serve her, she may have realised this wasn't one of them.
The film has since tapped Andor actress Adria Arjona, who also happens to be dating Jason Momoa, as Russell's replacement. No exact release date has been announced, but production is still underway and aiming for a 2026 debut.