Simone Ashley Faces Major Setback in Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie
Simone Ashley, the talented actress known globally for her role as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, is now at the center of controversy after her role in the highly anticipated F1: The Movie was reportedly cut down to mere seconds. Once hailed as a rising star in international cinema, Ashley’s reduced presence in the film has sparked disappointment among her fans and concern about how emerging actors are treated in big-budget productions.
The film, starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, follows the story of Sonny Hayes a retired Formula 1 driver who returns to mentor a young talent. Initially expected to feature a broader cast, the final version seems to have sidelined Ashley almost entirely, reducing her part to a brief on-screen appearance, despite earlier hype around her involvement.
Simone Ashley’s Fans Disheartened by Her Vanishing Presence
It came as a shock to many fans when early screenings of F1 revealed that Simone Ashley appears for just a few seconds, with no major dialogue or role arc. Many viewers, particularly fans of Bridgerton, were expecting a strong and memorable character performance from the actress, who has become one of Netflix’s most celebrated breakout stars in recent years.
Her repeated public appearances at Formula 1 events across Europe had fueled speculation about her significance in the film. However, as shared by fans who saw early cuts, her scenes are barely noticeable and offer no real contribution to the film’s storyline. The response from fans online has ranged from disappointment to outrage, with some calling the decision a clear case of “Hollywood erasure.”
Simone Ashley Praised but Cut Director Responds to Backlash
Director Joseph Kosinski responded to the backlash during a media interaction, where he explained that the film had to undergo major edits due to time constraints and storytelling focus. While speaking about Simone Ashley, he praised her as “an incredible talent” and expressed regret that some storylines had to be dropped entirely.
Simone Ashley stuns for the ‘F1’ premiere
📸: Alex Babsky pic.twitter.com/EHCbOHDWTu
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) June 23, 2025
“There were two or three side plots that didn’t make the final cut,” he stated. “But Simone is immensely talented a brilliant actress and singer. I’d love to collaborate with her again.” Despite the compliments, the lack of substantial screen time has continued to upset fans, especially when the actress had been publicly associated with the film for months.
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The decision has reignited conversations around the lack of meaningful representation for actors of South Asian origin in mainstream Hollywood films. With Simone Ashley having already paved the way for more inclusive casting in period dramas, many hoped F1 would be another major leap forward instead, it feels like a step back.
Conclusion
Simone Ashley being reduced to a blink-and-you-miss-it role in F1: The Movie is not just a cinematic disappointment it’s an emotional one for fans who expected more from a star of her calibre. While the film gears up for its June 27 release in the USA, the conversation around her role continues to trend online. For now, what remains is a sense of missed opportunity and the hope that Ashley’s next projects will give her the platform she truly deserves.
