Taylor Russell, Michael B. Jordan’s emerging feud: Creative dispute or another smear campaign?

Taylor Russell’s sudden departure from Michael B. Jordan’s future starrer and directorial project The Thomas Crown Affair was at first reported as nothing more than a routine decision.

Outlets initially shared that the Bones and All actress left the project mid-filming due to “creative differences”.

However, further updates since have cast a whole new light on the matter, which is now shaping up to be an issue that could potentially harm the production’s chances of staying drama-free.

Or is that exactly what the production is aiming for? A bit of “any publicity is a good publicity” move?

Here’s everything we know so far:

Context

Deadline broke the news of Michael B. Jordan plans to star in and direct a reboot of the twice before released, The Thomas Crown Affair, in September 2024.

First produced in 1968, starring Steven McQueen and Faye Dunaway, to much acclaim, the film was again remade in 1999.

With its second iteration starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo not being as memorable as its predecessor, the Creed actor’s planned version, reignited considerable interest in the sleek crime romance story.

While the outlet disclosed Taylor Russell’s casting in the project, “Following a lengthy audition process”, by March 2025.

It was further revealed that the 31-year-old star earned her role in the movie after several meetings and readings, as well as a screen test with her co-star and director at the time.

“That final test sealed the deal and Russell is now set to join Jordan this summer in London to start production,” reported Deadline six months ago.

Dating rumours

As pre-production on the project kicked off in London shortly after Taylor’s casting and subsequent announcement, the two stars were spotted hitting the English capital’s streets together and rumours of a romance soon followed.

It didn’t help matters when both were discovered to have been single at the time and the film they were preparing to bring to life largely hinges on explosive chemistry between its two leads.

Before their link-up, the Sinners star had ended a fairly publicised relationship with Lori Harvey.

While his former co-star was last reported to have dated Harry Styles, a relationship which ended in May 2024.

Exit and recast

In July 2025, the Canadian actress’ exit from the project was reported, while in the same vein, Variety also revealed that the studio “will be recasting her role as progress continues toward the film’s March 5, 2027 theatrical release date.”

Though more details were not shared at the time, the news came as a bit of a surprise since filming for the movie was well underway, because of which the sudden departure and the lack of information regarding it was seen as a rather cryptic development.

Nevertheless, only a few days later, Deadline confirmed that 2023’s Hit Man breakout star, Adria Arjona has joined the remake’s production, and will continue in Taylor’s place.

Rejected romance?

On Saturday, news broke online that Taylor Russell was reportedly recast in Michael B. Jordan’s project due to her performance being unsatisfactory during a single day’s shoot.

Entertainment Journalist and founder of The InSneider newsletter made the revelation in his latest subscription about early Oscar predictions that the actress left the project after her performance “‘was not improving’ throughout the course of the day.”

This update came just a few days after the journalist had hinted at Taylor and Michael’s professional collaboration falling apart due to the stars getting “too close” on the set.

He shared on Deuxmoi’s podcast show, Deux U, that there could be “lingering resentment” between the pair ever since, and that “when you’re making a movie, people get close…maybe too close. That could spill over into things.”

While the popular Instagram gossip blog’s own “trusted sources” reported that “something had happened between Taylor and Michael”, and that their “strained” relationship could no longer be contained “once the cameras started rolling”.

Smear campaign allegations

As news which cast doubts on Taylor’s acting talent started making rounds online, it was quickly suggested that the actress could potentially be a target of a smear campaign.

Pertaining to recent events, a smear campaign is usually suspected when negative news regarding a seemingly innocent public figure appears to be made readily available while filtered through prominent accounts and users online.

X (formerly known as Twitter) users swiftly recorded their suspicions about the latest news’ credibility, as well as expressed doubts about Taylor being a bad actor if indeed the new piece of information could be true.

While some also pointed out other women in the industry who have been targeted by an organised effort to taint their names in public.

Furthermore, Michael B. Jordan’s previous defence of his friend and actor Jonathan Majors, who was convicted in the domestic violence case against his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari, was also cited in the ongoing developments between him and Taylor Russell.

It is important to note that neither of the two stars have themselves publicly addressed the matter as of yet, while The Thomas Crown Affair remake is still scheduled to be released by Amazon MGM Studios in March 2027.