Netflix's "Bad Bridgets" Gathers Star-Studded Cast Ahead of July 2026 Shoot

"Bad Bridgets," a Netflix-backed Irish period thriller directed by Rich Peppiatt, announced an expanded ensemble in June 2026. In addition to leads Emilia Jones and Alison Oliver, the film adds Colin Farrell, Steve Coogan, Charlie Heaton, Domhnall Gleeson, Himesh Patel, Niamh Algar and Simone Kirby. Filming is set to begin in mid-July 2026 in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Deadline Hollywood

The film adapts the 2024 history book *Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem, and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women* by Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick. The authors coined “Bridgets” for impoverished Irish women who emigrated to North America in the 19th century, often becoming entangled with crime. The plot follows two sisters fleeing famine-stricken Ireland, arriving in New York and joining the unruly world of the Bridgets.

Deadline Hollywood

Rich Peppiatt, BAFTA-winning director of *Kneecap*, writes, directs and produces the film with producer Trevor Birney under the Coup d’État Films banner. LuckyChap, founded by Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerly, Josey McNamara and Milan Popelka, co-produces. Executive producer Cáit Collins oversees the project. The crew includes BAFTA-winning cinematographer Ryan Kernaghan, Oscar-winning production designer James Price (*Poor Things*) and Oscar-winning costume designer Kate Hawley (*Frankenstein*).

Hollywood Reporter

• 2025: Book optioned by Peppiatt and Birney.

Deadline Hollywood

• June 2026: Casting expansion announced.

Deadline Hollywood

• Mid-July 2026: Principal photography begins in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Deadline Hollywood

Ten named actors, including two leads, comprise the cast. The cast features Colin Farrell of *In Bruges*, Steve Coogan of *Philomena*, Charlie Heaton of *Stranger Things*, and Domhnall Gleeson of *Ex Machina*. The crew features one BAFTA-winning cinematographer and two Oscar-winning designers. Production receives support from Queen’s University Belfast and Northern Ireland Screen.

Variety Magazine

The collaboration reflects Netflix’s investment in Irish storytelling and marks a cinematic focus on 19th-century Irish women emigrants. The production brings together award-winning talent and is co-produced by LuckyChap. The project was highlighted as a hot sales title at the American Film Market.

Hollywood Reporter

Netflix unveiled *Bad Bridgets* on Tuesday, describing it as a Netflix-backed period thriller slated for the 2026 slate. LuckyChap is credited as a co-producer alongside Peppiatt’s Coup d’État Films.

Variety Magazine

• “When a mysterious letter offering escape leads a young Irish woman to 19th-century New York, she is pulled into the unruly world of the Bridgets, where mayhem follows in her wake.” — Logline, production notes

Deadline Hollywood

• “The project was a hot sales titles at last fall’s American Film Market.” — Industry report

Hollywood Reporter

Post-production is slated for early 2027, with Netflix targeting a global release later that year. LuckyChap and Netflix will issue further promotional details as the film moves through final editing.

Variety Magazine