Michael B. Jordan’s Thomas Crown Affair Faces On-Set Drama and Casting Shakeup

Michael B. Jordan ’s modern take on The Thomas Crown Affair has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Since the project was announced, it ’s been dogged by controversy, and things only escalated in July 2025 when Taylor Russell, originally cast as the female lead, abruptly left the film. Reports quickly surfaced, pointing to creative disagreements between Russell and Jordan, who’s not only starring but also directing. The real reason for her departure, however, remains a topic of heated debate among fans and insiders alike.

Costume Controversy and Set Rumors

Adding fuel to the fire, a social media user recently claimed that the film’s wardrobe was sourced straight off the rack from Bottega, suggesting the movie would lack the signature style that defined earlier versions starring Steve McQueen and Pierce Brosnan. Another comment hinted that wardrobe woes were just the tip of the iceberg, with deeper issues plaguing the production.

These claims came as a surprise, especially since Oscar- winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter was brought on board, reuniting with Jordan after their work on Black Panther and Sinners. Taylor Russell herself had previously announced Carter’s involvement, raising expectations for the film’s fashion. Jordan, too, expressed excitement about collaborating with Carter again, promising that his vision would bring a more personal, high-stakes story while still delivering on style 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].

Taylor Russell’s Departure and Swirling Speculation

Russell, known for her roles in Waves and Bones and All, was initially seen as a strong choice for the insurance investigator role, following in the footsteps of Faye Dunaway and Rene Russo. But her sudden exit sparked a wave of rumors. Industry insider Jeff Sneider claimed that Russell was dismissed after just one day of filming due to a performance that reportedly failed to meet Jordan’s expectations. He stated,

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.

Many fans, however, weren’t buying that explanation. Online chatter suggested a different story: that Jordan allegedly made advances toward Russell on set, and after she rebuffed him, she was let go. One user wrote,

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 two were spotted together at a London café, sparking rumors of a possible romance. Another source claimed that Russell’s decision to leave was more about her strained relationship with Jordan than any script issues, saying,

Something had happened between Taylor and Michael. The relationship was already strained when the filming began.

Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead

As the costume controversy gained traction, fans were quick to connect it to Russell’s exit, suggesting that the film’s troubles began the moment she left. Social media was flooded with comments like,

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

and

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

Others pointed out the contrast between the film’s reportedly lackluster wardrobe and its use of high-end props, with one fan noting,

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 has since stepped into the lead role, joining a cast that includes Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira, Pilou Asbæk, and Aiysha Hart. Meanwhile, Russell is set to appear in the 2026 Korean film Hope and a remake of Single White Female alongside Jenna Ortega.

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