Netflix hit Rebel Ridge almost cast a Star Wars actor in the leading role

Rebel Ridge is taking viewers by storm. The action-thriller is an original story, with tense plotting and a stellar lead performance by Aaron Pierre. It's the sort of film Hollywood doesn't a ton of these days, and it's proving to be successful.

Jeremy Saulnier's direction is a huge reason why Rebel Ridge has connected with so many viewers, but the impact of Pierre's performance cannot be overstated. He's menacing without being evil, cool without being corny. He strikes a balance that's a lot harder than it seems, and it's made all the more impressive due to the fact that he joined the production relatively late.

John Boyega was originally cast as Terry Richmond

While it's difficult to imagine anyone other than Pierre playing ex-Marine Terry Richmond, he was not the first choice. Jeremy Saulnier and Netflix originally intended to cast John Boyega, best known for his role in the Star Wars films, as Richmond.

This is simply fascinating. Boyega is a charming actor, and a gifted comedic presence, as evidenced by his turns in Attack the Block (2011) and They Cloned Tyrone (2023), but intimidation is not typically one of his tools. He doesn't emanate the quiet danger that is so crucial to Terry Richmond throughout Rebel Ridge.

More fascinating, still, is the fact that Boyega was the one who decided to leave the project. At least, that's what the very vague production reports have stated.

The reason for Boyega's exit remains unclear

Jeremy Saulnier discussed the massive casting change during a recent interview with Vulture, and he made a point of skirting the details:

"When John left the film, it was inevitable and out of respect for all parties involved; I can’t get into the details of it. But every party would agree, it was the right situation."

Saulnier admitted there was a bit of a scramble to recast Terry Richmond before production got underway, but his concerns were put at ease the moment he screen tested Aaron Pierre. The Blue Ruin director claimed that he knew Pierre was right within two minutes of their first meeting.

"The way he presented himself, his immediate interest and investment and dedication," Saulnier recalled to the outlet. "[It] was uplifting and immediately reenergized me." As evidenced by the final product, everything turned out for the best. A version of Rebel Ridge with Boyega is interesting, but you'd be hard-pressed to imagine one better than the one we got with Pierre.