Netflix is betting big on historical dramas once again, but this time it’s swapping romance for revenge. While Bridgerton continues to dominate the period drama space, the streamer has announced a new project that promises a much darker story, backed by an impressive ensemble cast. The upcoming film, Bad Bridgets, has added several high-profile names to its lineup, including Colin Farrell, Steve Coogan, Charlie Heaton, Domhnall Gleeson, Himesh Patel, Niamh Algar and Simone Kirby. They join previously announced stars Emilia Jones and Alison Oliver in the Irish revenge thriller.
The film comes from Kneecap filmmaker Rich Peppiatt, who serves as writer, director and producer. Production is backed by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, the company behind acclaimed projects such as Barbie and Saltburn.
Set in 19th-century New York, Bad Bridgets follows a young Irish woman whose life changes after she receives a mysterious letter offering her a chance to escape. She soon finds herself pulled into the world of the Bridgets, a notorious group of Irish immigrant women whose lives are filled with crime, rebellion and survival.
Unlike many fictional period dramas, Bad Bridgets draws inspiration from real history. The screenplay is based on the book Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem, and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women by historians Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick. The research explores the overlooked stories of Irish women emigrants who challenged social expectations and frequently found themselves on the wrong side of the law during the 19th century.
Filming is scheduled to begin in mid-July across Northern Ireland and Ireland. The production also boasts an award-winning creative team, with BAFTA-winning cinematographer Ryan Kernaghan, Oscar-winning production designer James Price and Oscar-winning costume designer Kate Hawley joining the project.
For Charlie Heaton, the film marks another major project following the conclusion of Stranger Things, while Colin Farrell continues to expand his already diverse filmography with another period role.
With its mix of historical inspiration, revenge-driven storytelling and a cast packed with acclaimed actors, Bad Bridgets is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most intriguing upcoming original films. It may not offer the lavish romance of Bridgerton, but it could easily become the streaming platform’s next must-watch period drama.