Several years back, Michael B. Jordan became attached to yet another remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. It was interesting, to me, that he was interested in the property and I honestly thought it could do something really good with it. As it turns out, MBJ is not only starring as Thomas Crown, he’s directing the film, which is in production now. He cast Taylor Russell in the major female role, Thomas Crown’s insurance investigator/love interest. Only Taylor was let go two weeks ago, early in the production. At first, the excuse was “creative differences,” a catch-all which can mean anything under the sun. Days later, the role was recast, with Adria Arjona taking up where Taylor Russell left off. So, just a major role being recast early in the production, or was there something else going on? Per Deuxmoi:

When news broke that Michael B. Jordan and Taylor Russell would be starring in the upcoming remake of “The Thomas Crown Affair,” social media erupted with praise. Single, attractive, and chemistry that would be off the charts (or, museum walls IYKYK) – what’s not to love?! However, fans and industry insiders were led to believe that more than just on-screen sparks were flying between them. Deuxmoi has now received intel from an exclusive source, indicating that there was trouble in paradise.

Back in March, Deuxmoi reported about a fan sighting of Russell and Jordan at a Marylebone, London matcha cafe. Although the spotting appeared innocuous at the time, something now tells us the vibes did not remain platonic. Just over a week ago, Russell departed from the iconic reprisal due to so-called “creative differences.”

But was that explanation simply used as an excuse for underlying, mismatched feelings between the two co-stars?

As discussed in Deux/U’s July 24th episode, film journalist Jeff Sneider spoke on a podcast about the drama and potential “lingering resentment on people’s side.” Per Sneider, “when you’re making a movie, people get close…maybe too close. That could spill over into things.” He urged listeners to do the math, as “it’s a tale as old as time in Hollywood.”

One of Deuxmoi’s trusted sources confirmed such suspicions. Before filming began in foggy London Town, the source alleged that “something had happened between Taylor and Michael.” Once the cameras started rolling, “the relationship was [already] strained.” It wasn’t a sudden “breakup” mid-production, but rather a relationship that was already fractured, with filming merely serving as the final catalyst for her realization. It is unclear what the “strain” on Russell and Jordan’s relationship was exactly, though whatever it was, Russell allegedly could not handle the environment for long.

Adding another layer to the story is the buzz surrounding the movie itself. Insiders are hinting that the project might not be living up to expectations, and that it has some truly “reeeallly big shoes to fill.” It’s been speculated that this potential artistic disappointment may have also factored into her decision to bolt, opting out before the final product could potentially impact her burgeoning career. Although we are still left with some plot holes, the source intimated that Russell may have predicted “the movie was going in a specific creative direction” that did not align for her, professionally speaking. Rising star (and Jason Momoa’s girlfriend) Adria Arjona has since taken Russell’s spot in the art heist film.

[From DeuxMoi]

I think the argument of “Taylor had qualms that the film would bomb, that’s why she got out of there” kind of falls apart pretty quickly. While Taylor is well-known by people who follow gossip, she’s not really a “star” or a well-known actress in general. This would have been huge, the co-lead in a big film opposite one of the biggest stars of his generation. No, I think it’s far more likely that MBJ hooked up with his leading lady and then fired her because their personal situation was strained. Speaking of, this gossip is also making the rounds. Messy messy messy.

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.

Source: @TheInSneider pic.twitter.com/ebifiigEiI

— Feature First 🍿🎬 (@Feature_First) August 2, 2025

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.