Netflix Scraps Millie Bobby Brown's Olympic Drama Following Actor's Exit
Netflix has officially cancelled the production of the Olympics-themed film Perfect after lead actor Millie Bobby Brown departed the project due to creative differences. The streaming giant confirmed the decision through sources reported by Deadline, marking the end of a planned biopic that was announced in September of last year.
Creative Clashes Derail Gymnast Biopic
The 22-year-old Stranger Things star was set to portray real-life American Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug, a member of the legendary 1996 "Magnificent Seven" team. Strug's performance at the Atlanta Games has become an enduring symbol of Olympic perseverance. At just 18 years old, she secured the team gold medal by executing a vault on an injured ankle, after which her coach carried her off the mat and later to the podium for the medal ceremony.
Following her athletic career, Strug transitioned into roles as an elementary school teacher and held positions within the White House and Justice Department, becoming a notable figure in popular culture with appearances on talk shows and cereal boxes.
Production Team and Background
The film was to be directed by Cate Shortland, who took over from original director Gia Coppola, granddaughter of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Screenwriter Ronnie Sandahl was attached to the project, aiming to bring Strug's inspiring story to a global audience. Despite this high-profile team, creative disagreements ultimately led to Brown's exit and the subsequent cancellation of the film.
The Independent has reached out to representatives for both Netflix and Millie Bobby Brown for additional comments on the matter.
Millie Bobby Brown's Ongoing Projects
Despite the setback, Brown remains highly active in the entertainment industry. She is set to reprise her role as Enola Holmes in a third sequel premiering on Netflix this summer. Additionally, she has completed production on the romantic comedy Just Picture It, where she also served as a producer.
Brown is collaborating with Netflix on another project, Nineteen Steps, an adaptation of her debut novel published in 2023. The book, inspired by her grandmother's experiences during the 1943 Bethnal Green tube disaster, sparked some controversy as it was ghostwritten by author Kathleen McGurl, reigniting debates about celebrity-authored books.
Recently, Brown has also made headlines for changing her hairstyle from brunette to bright blonde, showcasing her evolving public image as she balances multiple creative endeavors.
