It looks like fans of "Bridgerton" star Simone Ashley might be in for a letdown regarding her role in the upcoming Formula 1 movie featuring Brad Pitt. Reports have surfaced that a large chunk of her scenes has been cut from the final version. Although she was confirmed as part of the cast and was seen filming at various Grand Prix events, it turns out her screen time has been significantly reduced, with sources saying she now only appears briefly and without any lines.

Director Joseph Kosinski spoke about this decision, noting that such cuts are a normal part of making a film. "It happens on every film – you end up shooting more than you can actually use," he shared with People. He went on to explain that "two or three storylines ultimately didn't make it into the final cut," stressing that the trimming of Ashley's role was a creative choice aimed at tightening the narrative, rather than a comment on her acting skills.

Kosinski didn't hold back in praising Ashley, calling her an incredible talent and expressing his hope to work with her again in the future. "Simone is an amazing talent, an incredible actress, and a fantastic singer. I would love to collaborate with her again," he said. Ashley herself had previously downplayed her role, telling ELLE earlier this month that she had a "very small part" but was "grateful" for the "crazy" experience of filming at real Grand Prix races.

While this news might be disappointing for her fans, it highlights the unpredictable nature of film production. Even with all the time and effort that goes into shooting, a lot of footage often ends up on the cutting room floor as the director's vision for the final product takes shape. The F1 movie, featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, is set to hit theaters later this month.