Daisy Edgar-Jones and Emilia Jones to Star in ‘Bad Bridgets’

Daisy Edgar-Jones and Emilia Jones are confirmed to star in the upcoming feature film ‘Bad Bridgets,’ helmed by director Rich Peppiatt, known for his directorial work on ‘Kneecap’ (2020). This announcement comes just ahead of the American Film Market (AFM) 2023, where sales of the film will be actively pursued.

‘Bad Bridgets’ is rooted in the book ‘Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem, and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women’ by Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick, published in 2018. The book explores the often overlooked contributions of Irish women emigrants and the social issues they navigated. This film adaptation marks a notable entry into narratives that focus on marginalized women, reminiscent of similar adaptations such as ‘The Irishman’ (2019), which delved into crime stories within the Irish-American community.

Previously, Daisy Edgar-Jones garnered attention for her leading role in ‘Normal People’ (2020), which piqued interest in her versatility as an actress. Emilia Jones, fresh off her critical success in ‘CODA’ (2021), established herself as a rising star with her celebrated performance, which earned the film an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Rich Peppiatt, who both writes and directs ‘Bad Bridgets,’ has a unique approach to storytelling, emphasizing dark comedy fused with real-life contexts, a technique also employed effectively in his previous works. Sources indicate the film aims to maintain this tone while addressing serious themes head-on.

Irish women's narratives have become more prominent in film, with productions highlighting their experiences. This shift aligns with trends observed post-2020, where 37% of films featured women as central characters, according to data from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Such portrayals are crucial in diversifying the narratives presented in mainstream cinema.

The project aligns with Edgar-Jones and Jones's careers as both actresses have expressed interests in roles that challenge traditional gender norms. With ‘Bad Bridgets’, they take a further step toward expanding their filmographies, which is essential in a landscape that increasingly values authenticity and diverse backgrounds in storytelling.

As AFM 2023 progresses, anticipation will likely grow for ‘Bad Bridgets’, opening up to global markets for financing and distribution. This marks another collaborative venture for the two stars, following previous engagements with critically acclaimed projects, further cementing their place in the industry.

Looking ahead, both actresses have upcoming projects that continue to diversify their portfolios: Edgar-Jones will star in 'Fresh', scheduled for early 2024 release, while Jones is set to appear in an ethereal fantasy film later in 2024. Expect to see further developments on ‘Bad Bridgets’ as production timelines align.