Now that the “Sinners” hype has finally died down, Michael B. Jordan has set his sights on his next project: a remake of the “Thomas Crown Affair.” But before it can even hit theaters, the project is already facing some scrutiny. Don’t worry, we’ll explain.
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In March 2025, it was announced that “Waves” star Taylor Russell would be starring opposite Jordan as his leading lady in the film. Shortly after, photos and videos of them out and about while shooting in London leaked on social media months later, fueling potential dating rumors.
Fast forward to mid-July, and Russell suddenly exited the film citing “creative differences” as her reason for leaving, according to Deadline. Just three days later, it was announced that “Blink Twice” star Adria Arjona would be the new female lead.
Given the abruptness of Russell’s exit and swiftness of hiring her replacement, many online were puzzled as to exactly how and why things went awry between the “Bones and All” star and the “Creed” heartthrob.
Well, according to an unsubstantiated claim from longtime film journalist Jeff Sneider, it appears that there may have been some personal reasons that led to the dissolution of their working relationship.
“You’re making a movie, people get close. Maybe too close, it can spill over into things and I’ll leave it at that. That is what I think happened here,” Sneider said in a interview with John Rocha.
He continued: “I do think it was pretty sudden, they’re in the middle of shooting. I don’t think it was like ‘oh we planned this all along.’ I think it was just clear, like, there was some lingering residue, maybe some lingering resentments on people’s sides and yeah…I think it also goes to show why, you know, as a director, you need to behave a certain way because there are repercussions.”
Jordan is directing “Thomas Crown Affair” as well as starring in it.
Sneider’s insinuations were also similar to that of popular anonymous celebrity gossip blog, Deuxmoi, which posted a blind item recently alleging that something transpired between Jordan and Russell that caused their relationship to be strained prior to filming and that once production began, shooting together proved to be her final straw.
Sneider also claimed that the decision to recast Russell’s came after her acting performance was allegedly not improving after only a day of filming.
Once Sneider’s words hit the internet, many online were torn as to whether or not they believed him. Some brought up the fact that Sneider himself has a history of being negative towards Black films and filmmakers, citing his previous disparaging remarks about Ryan Coogler and “Sinners” and felt he couldn’t be trusted.
“I cannot believe what my two eyes are seeing. Surely you people cannot be this daft. No way in hell y’all are believing and spreading that news about Michael B Jordan and the source for the news is Jeff Sneider,” one user said on X/Twitter.
They later added in a follow-up post: “When has Jeff Sneider ever been a reliable source. Somebody that is known for constantly spreading false information. Mind you this is the same person that continues to trash Coogler and his work. Y’all are d*mb as shit.”
One other user said: “It’s really irresponsible that people are running with this narrative… solely based on speculation from fucking Jeff Sneider…. A man known for being a liar, a creep, and who historically does not like Black actors and directors.”
However, there were others who gave some merit to Sneider’s words and were swift to stand in opposition of Jordan.
“funny how this is coming out when other sources said she left the movie because she denied his advances to her… but if smear campaign is the route he wants to take ok,” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
“why are ppl still surprised about michael b jordan??? he got that attitude from his dear good friend, mate and batterer jonathan majors,” said another.
Neither Jordan nor Russell have yet to publicly comment on the matter. Early set photos of Jordan onset of “Thomas Crown Affair” were released on Monday. The film is also set to star Danai Gurrera, Lily Gladstone, and Kenneth Branagh and expected to hit theaters in March 2027.
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