Two of Britain’s most talented young stars — Daisy Edgar-Jones (Twisters, Normal People) and Emilia Jones (CODA) — are set to headline an ambitious new period revenge thriller titled Bad Bridgets. The film marks the next feature from rising filmmaker Rich Peppiatt, whose debut, Kneecap, became a breakout hit in the UK and Ireland.
🎬 A Powerful Story Rooted in History
Bad Bridgets is inspired by the non-fiction book Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem, and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women by historians Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick. The book explores the overlooked stories of Irish women who emigrated to America in the 19th century and were often labeled as troublemakers — some even imprisoned for acts as small as “stubbornness.”
The film’s story begins when a mysterious letter propels a young woman on a dangerous journey from famine-ravaged Ireland to 19th-century New York. There, she becomes entangled with a group of Irish “Bridgets” — rebellious women navigating poverty, prejudice, and the pursuit of power in a brutal new world.
🎥 Production and Creative Team
The film is being produced by LuckyChap Entertainment, the production company co-founded by Margot Robbie, along with Coup d’État Films, Peppiatt’s own banner.
International sales are being handled by FilmNation Entertainment, while WME Independent oversees domestic distribution. The project will officially be presented at the American Film Market (AFM) this November.
Adding to the prestige, the production has enlisted Oscar-winning production designer James Price (Poor Things) and acclaimed costume designer Kate Hawley (Crimson Peak), signaling a richly detailed period aesthetic. Filming is expected to take place across Northern Ireland and Ireland in spring 2026.
🌟 The Director’s Momentum
Director Rich Peppiatt is one of the UK’s most promising new voices. His debut feature Kneecap — a bilingual Irish-language musical comedy-drama — made history as the most-nominated debut film in BAFTA history, winning seven British Independent Film Awards, five IFTAs, and earning Peppiatt the title of Breakthrough British/Irish Filmmaker from the London Critics’ Circle.
With Bad Bridgets, Peppiatt moves into darker, more ambitious territory — blending historical drama with themes of female rebellion, revenge, and survival.
👩🎤 The Leading Ladies
Daisy Edgar-Jones, coming off the success of Twisters and known for her emotionally charged performances, is expected to bring depth and grit to her role.
Emilia Jones, who won global acclaim for her Oscar-winning film CODA, will co-lead, marking another strong performance in a project that centers on women’s resilience and defiance.
Their pairing is being touted as one of the most exciting collaborations of 2026, uniting two of the UK’s most in-demand young actors in a gritty, character-driven historical film.
💬 Final Words
With a compelling true-story foundation, powerhouse female leads, and an acclaimed director at the helm, Bad Bridgets is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated prestige films of the coming years.
Its mix of history, rebellion, and emotional depth promises not only to illuminate a forgotten chapter of Irish women’s history but also to deliver a cinematic experience filled with defiance, danger, and heart.
