Orlando Bloom is reportedly furious over claims that he abandoned his upcoming movie, “Reset,” at the last minute and left the production in danger of collapsing. Although an earlier report blamed Bloom’s departure for the turmoil, multiple insiders are now offering a dramatically different account. They claim the actor remained attached while the independent thriller faced months of shrinking budgets, shifting locations, scheduling problems, and the loss of its original director.
5One production source insisted Bloom did not suddenly walk away from an otherwise stable project. “Orlando didn’t quit at the last minute,” the insider told the Daily Mail. “It’s all bullsh-t.” “It would be nice to tell the truth. I do not like that Orlando has been thrown under the bus. I can’t even believe it.”
Bloom was announced in May as the male lead of the survival thriller opposite Priyanka Chopra. Both actors were also expected to produce the project. “Reset” follows a woman, played by Chopra, who wakes up in the wilderness without any memory of how she arrived there. Her survival depends on a mysterious man, originally set to be played by Bloom, whose motives may not be what they initially appear.
Deadline originally reported that filming was expected to begin in August under director Matt Smukler. However, TMZ later reported that Bloom exited as cameras were about to roll, leaving some members of the cast and crew feeling “screwed over.”
The outlet’s sources claimed the project secured financing partly because Bloom and Chopra were attached. Bloom’s international profile was also seen as important in securing distribution for the independent film. Producers were reportedly considering three actors as possible replacements, with Chopra expected to help make the final decision.
Insider Blames The Drama On A ‘Vindictive’ Leak
5Sources speaking to the Daily Mail disputed the suggestion that Bloom created the production crisis. “Obviously someone leaked this to save their own a-s, or it’s vindictive,” one insider alleged.
According to that source, the trouble had been building for months before Bloom officially departed. Budget reductions reportedly forced repeated changes to the production’s scope and filming locations. “There was a lack of budget and a lack of transparency. They just kept changing the location because of money,” the insider claimed.
Director Matt Smukler Reportedly Walked Away First
5The situation reportedly reached a breaking point in mid-to-late July when Smukler stepped away from the movie. One source claimed the director left because the “budget just kept getting smaller and smaller.”
A second insider offered a more detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding his departure. “The scope and some of the circumstances of the production just changed from what sort of initially had been anticipated. Matt just ultimately felt that it was best for him to step away,” the source said.
Smukler’s reported departure left the remaining producers trying to find a replacement director before filming was set to begin. “For a filmmaker like Matt who’s so strategic, methodical and planned, it was just too much of a moving target at that point that he said, ‘You know what, it just makes more sense to step aside and let them find someone who can figure all this out,’” the insider explained, adding that it was a “tough decision.”
Smukler’s spokesperson later addressed his exit without criticizing the production. “Matt’s grateful for the opportunity to have been involved and has tremendous respect for the talent and team behind the film. He wishes everyone involved the very best.”
The Production Reportedly ‘Scrambled’ To Find A New Director
5Insiders said Bloom and Chopra understood Smukler’s decision, but the departure placed immediate pressure on the project. “They scrambled to find another director,” the first source said. “It goes without saying that when a director leaves fairly abruptly, it was at a breaking point. It was very chaotic.”
Bloom reportedly warned those involved that his continued participation could depend on finding a new director who was comfortable working within the reduced budget. “Orlando, long ago, got spooked,” the source claimed.
Despite those concerns, Bloom allegedly stayed involved for several more weeks and gave the production a chance to address its problems. The actor ultimately decided to exit after reportedly determining that the situation had not improved enough to move forward.
Priyanka Chopra And Orlando Bloom Are Reportedly Still Friends
5The production trouble has not allegedly created a feud between Bloom and Chopra. Insiders said they never observed tension between the two stars and described them as “friends.” The pair reportedly became acquainted through their humanitarian involvement with UNICEF.
Bloom has not publicly addressed his exit from “Reset,” but insiders claim he is unhappy with the way the situation has been presented. “Orlando is very disappointed that this has happened. He’s upset,” the source said, adding of the leaks, “He was disappointed and shocked.”
“No one’s happy about it, and it’s super unfortunate because it is a great script,” they said.
