Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Hollywood survival thriller Reset has hit a major roadblock. Orlando Bloom, who was set to star opposite her and also serve as an executive producer, has reportedly walked away from the project just days before filming was scheduled to begin. The sudden exit has left the cast and crew frustrated and the production team scrambling to find a replacement.
The film, announced back in May 2026, was gearing up to start production this month. Bloom’s departure comes after months of preparation, with the team only days away from rolling cameras. According to a report by TMZ, his exit has created what one source called “fiery resentment” among those working behind the scenes.
Last-Minute Exit Shakes Up Independent Production
Bloom was not just the male lead in Reset; he was also attached as an executive producer through his production company Amazing Owl. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is producing the film under her banner Purple Pebble Pictures. The independent project’s financing and international distribution prospects were reportedly tied to the combined star power of both actors.
A source told TMZ that the situation is “f****d” because Bloom is a bankable star, and the independent project got financed based on him and Priyanka being attached. While Bloom may not need the pay cheque, the crew members who depend on the film for their livelihoods are feeling the impact of his decision.
The production is now in a difficult position. With filming just days away, the makers need to find a replacement quickly to avoid pushing back the shoot. According to reports, three actors are currently being considered to step into Bloom’s role. Priyanka, who is also a producer, is expected to be closely involved in the final casting decision.
Behind the Scenes Turmoil: Director Change and Script Issues
Adding to the production’s troubles, sources indicate that Bloom’s exit may be part of a larger behind-the-scenes shake-up. An insider told Page Six that the original director, Matt Smukler, was replaced close to the start of production. The source explained that with ongoing script changes, there was not enough time to confidently shoot the film.
According to IMDb, the film is now being directed by James Madigan, known for the 2024 action film Fight or Flight. The production may potentially be pushed to next year. The filmmakers are now having to move quickly to determine how to proceed with Reset and whether Bloom’s role can be recast without further disrupting the production.
What Is ‘Reset’ About?
Reset is written by Jordan Rawlins and directed by Matt Smukler, who previously helmed the 2020 drama Wildflower. The survival thriller follows Priyanka’s character, who wakes up stranded in a remote wilderness with no memory of how she got there.
As she fights to stay alive and piece together what happened, she crosses paths with a charming stranger, the role Orlando Bloom was set to play. He may be her best chance of making it out alive, but she has no idea if she can actually trust him or what he really wants. The story combines elements of survival, romance, suspense and deception.
Director Matt Smukler on the Priyanka-Orlando Pairing
When the casting was first announced, director Matt Smukler had spoken highly about why he believed Priyanka Chopra and Orlando Bloom were the right fit for the film. Speaking to Deadline, he said:
“I was looking for a pairing where attraction and mistrust could effortlessly coexist. Priyanka and Orlando have this uncanny ability to make you believe both at once. Their chemistry is undeniable.”
Smukler had specifically sought out actors who could convey both attraction and suspicion simultaneously. With Bloom now out of the project, the makers will have to find an actor who can match that dynamic while stepping into a physically demanding survival story.
Priyanka Chopra’s Packed Schedule
Despite the setback with Reset, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has several other projects lined up. She is currently wrapping up SS Rajamouli‘s epic film Varanasi, which also stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The highly anticipated film is scheduled to hit theatres in April 2027.
Beyond Varanasi, Chopra will be seen in Nicholas Stoller’s comedy Judgment Day alongside Will Ferrell, Zac Efron and Regina Hall. She is also set to headline Mira Nair‘s Amri, where she will portray legendary painter Amrita Sher-Gil. Additionally, she will return as Nadia Sinh in the second season of the Prime Video series Citadel and star alongside Russell Crowe in the sci-fi action thriller Bluefly.
Orlando Bloom’s Upcoming Projects
Orlando Bloom was last seen in the psychological boxing thriller The Cut, which hit screens in 2024. He will next be seen in Bucking Fastard, directed by Werner Herzog, which is set to premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2026. He also has the project Wizards co-starring Pete Davidson in the pipeline.
Related:
What Happens Next for ‘Reset’?
The future of Reset remains uncertain. The filmmakers are reportedly considering three potential replacements for Bloom, with a decision expected to be made quickly to keep the production on schedule. Priyanka, as a producer, will reportedly have the final say on who replaces Bloom.
However, the independent production’s future now hangs in the balance, as the combined international marketability of both leads was a key factor in securing global distribution rights. Whether the film can proceed as planned or will be pushed to a later date remains to be seen.
Also Read: Orlando Bloom to Receive Filming Italy International Award at 2026 Venice Film Festival
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more breaking news and updates from the world of Hollywood and entertainment.
Leave a Reply