Simone Ashley, the actress who captured hearts as Kate Sharma in Netflix's hit series “Bridgerton”, is stepping into the high-octane world of Formula 1. She's joining the cast of “F1”, a new racing drama starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. This film, set to electrify screens in June 2025, promises thrills and a dash of Hollywood glamour, with filming taking place during real Grand Prix events.
"F1" follows Pitt's character Sonny Hayes, a former racing champion who returns to the sport to mentor a rookie driver, Joshua Pearce, played by Idris. The casting announcement for Simone Ashley comes after fans spotted her alongside Idris at the British Grand Prix this past weekend, sparking excitement and speculation about her role in the movie. While details of her character are under wraps, her addition to the ensemble, which includes stars like Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies, has certainly heightened anticipation.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for “Top Gun: Maverick”, and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, this film is a collaboration with Formula 1 itself, promising authenticity and real racing action. The teaser trailer, released during the British Grand Prix, gave a glimpse of what’s to come, with racing enthusiasts and movie buffs alike eagerly awaiting more.
Since her breakout role in “Bridgerton”, Ashley has been steadily rising in the entertainment world. Alongside her portrayal of the viscountess, she has also impressed audiences as Olivia in “Sex Education”. With her character's backstory still a mystery, fans are left to imagine the impact she will bring to this high-profile project.
On a different note, “Bridgerton” fans might need to brace themselves for a prolonged wait as the fourth season of the beloved series isn't expected to air anytime soon. Netflix has announced that the next installment is at least another year away. As the wait lingers, speculation about future storylines and characters continues to buzz among the fanbase.
In the midst of these delays, Ashley remains a busy figure. Besides “F1”, she's set to star in “This Tempting Madness”, a psychological thriller, and the rom-com “Picture This”, which she will also executive produce. Her career trajectory exemplifies her ambition and the breadth of her talent. Recently, she shared, “I have always been very ambitious, ever since I was a kid, but no matter what I do, a small indie project or big studio production, I want to make sure it’s something I am proud of. That there is an urgency for this story to be told.”
Bridging the gap between traditional acting and production, Ashley is making waves. As she aptly put it at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, producing allows her to change the narratives that reach audiences. “The more experience I have, the more I am learning that producing your own work can really change things. You can tell stories that otherwise would never see the light of day.”
As the cameras keep rolling for “F1”, following the filming circuit through real Grand Prix weekends, the excitement grows. The unique blend of actual racing seasons and fictional storytelling sets the stage for what could be one of the most authentic racing films yet.
With names like Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton attached, the project has a solid backbone of experience and star power. Watching how Ashley integrates into this dynamic lineup will undoubtedly be a highlight for many. The movie is not just another racing drama but a heartfelt narrative about mentorship, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we look towards June 2025, the anticipation can only build. Will Ashley’s mystery role surprise us with its depth or twist? For now, fans can only wait and savor the snippets of information trickling in from film sets and promotional events. In Ashley’s own words about her rising career and upcoming projects, she encapsulates the excitement ahead, “You can tell stories that otherwise would never see the light of day.”