The 6 Most Shocking Cases Of Actors Getting Cut From Movies 

Fellow Bridgerton fans: We have suffered a loss.

Simone Ashley, who plays Anthony’s soulmate Kate Sharma on the show, was recently cut from the Brad Pitt movie F1. How dare they? After all of those months of filming and promotion that she did! To the credit of director Joseph Kosinski, the man did offer resounding praise for Ashley’s charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, attesting that he would work with her again. All in all, Ashley was only cut because of the movie’s narrative requirements, and the development has mostly skirted controversy … unlike some of the other actors on this list.

Paul Rudd, Bridesmaids 

It’s true: Bridesmaids almost featured Paul Rudd. He would have appeared in a supporting role as a very angry (and non Rudd-like) man who survives a blind date with Annie Walker (Kristen Wiig). Tasked with repeatedly crashing on the ice and devolving into terrifying lunacy, Rudd is naturally hilarious. You can see for yourself: The deleted scene, which was cut for story purposes and time, exists in various corners of the social media-verse.

Harrison Ford, E.T.

Harrison Ford may not have been too bummed when his small role as a school principal was cut from this smash hit. After all, he was riding high off the success of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Blade Runner. Still, it’s fun to imagine how his je ne sais sarcasm would have fit into the world of this wholesome film. But sadly, Ford’s role was cut for time.

Ana de Armas, Yesterday

It’s not everyday that the omission of an actor leads to a full-fledged lawsuit, but that’s exactly what happened when Danny Boyle’s comedy Yesterday cut Ana de Armas’ role, disappointing two very adamant fans of the actress. In the movie, de Armas was meant to play an alternative love interest for the protagonist, who was already in a committed relationship. However, in test screenings, this storyline angered diehard monogamists, leading Boyle to cut de Armas’ character entirely. But since trailers for the film had highlighted the then-rising star’s role in the movie, two de Armas stans sued Universal (and ultimately settled) for having paid a $3.99 rental fee for the movie, enduring emotional damages in the process. (And tbh, as someone with a writer’s salary, I can attest that losing $3.99 causes irreversible trauma.)

Shailene Woodley, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 

Remember when Shailene Woodley was an It Girl Supreme after the Divergent movies? Well, this It Girl must have had a fit, girl, when she learned that all of her scenes as Mary Jane had been cut from The Amazing Spider-Man 2. It might not have been so bad if the next planned movie, in which her scenes were slated to appear, had been permanently scrapped in favor of the rebooted Marvel Spider-Man movies starring Tom Holland.

Angela Bassett, Mr. and Mrs. Smith 

Yes, the great Angela Bassett was once deprived of an opportunity to appear opposite Brad Pitt.  The venerable Oscar nominee had filmed several scenes as the boss of Pitt’s spy character, only to be excised from the final product entirely without explanation. To which I ask … why? It couldn’t have been for narrative purposes, since I’m not even sure this movie has a narrative — It is big budget eye candy. My only theory is that Bassett was more beautiful, radiant, and talented than Pitt in all of her scenes, bruising his ego and inspiring him to complain to producers.

Michelle Monaghan, Constantine

After her turn in The White Lotus Season 3, it’s hard to imagine Michelle Monaghan as an actress who only scores small roles. However, she was almost featured as a “demonic love interest” of John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) in this movie, and honestly, can you imagine? Michelle Monaghan already has that piercing stare and those enviable cheekbones. Now add red contact lenses, CGI, and a naughty costume, et voilá. What a missed opportunity! Said director Francis Lawrence: “Michelle was fantastic and one of her scenes we had to cut was one of my favorite scenes we shot in this movie. We cut because it took away from Constantine’s loneliness… it just affected the way the movie felt and that’s why we had to cut it.” OK, but this movie isn’t exactly The Godfather, so stop being a perfectionist and put her back in it! Justice for Michelle Monaghan! And justice for all of these actors! Release the Paul Rudd/Harrison Ford/Ana de Armas/Shailene Woodley/Angela Bassett/Michelle Monaghan cuts! I can almost guarantee that this will create world peace.