Netflix Snaps Up ‘Bad Bridgets,’ Irish Period Thriller Starring Emilia Jones and Alison Oliver From ‘Kneecap’ Director

Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to the Irish period thriller “Bad Bridgets,” one of the standout projects that generated significant attention at last year’s American Film Market.

The film will star Emilia Jones (“CODA,” “Task”) alongside Alison Oliver and will debut globally on the streaming platform.

Oliver, known for her performances in “Saltburn” and “Wuthering Heights,” recently joined the project, replacing Daisy Edgar-Jones, who had previously been attached to co-star opposite Jones.

Written and directed by Rich Peppiatt — who earned a BAFTA for his breakout feature “Kneecap” — “Bad Bridgets” is being produced by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment. The story draws inspiration from the nonfiction book “Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem, and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women” by Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick.

Set during the 19th century amid the devastation of famine-era Ireland, the film follows two sisters who flee their abusive father and the crushing realities of poverty and hunger by embarking on a dangerous journey to America. Upon arriving in New York, they become part of a growing community of Irish immigrant women — known as the “Bridgets” — whose presence sparks chaos throughout the city.

Peppiatt and his “Kneecap” producing partner Trevor Birney optioned the book in 2025. The pair are producing through their Coup d’Etat Films banner, established in 2024, alongside LuckyChap Entertainment.

Production on “Bad Bridgets” is scheduled to begin later in 2026 across locations in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Academy Award-winning production designer James Price and costume designer Kate Hawley have joined the creative team.

The project was developed with support from Queens University Belfast.

FilmNation introduced the package to international buyers at AFM, while WME Independent handled representation for the U.S. market.

Read the whole article on Variety.