Two of the brightest rising stars in Hollywood, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Emilia Jones, are set to headline the upcoming historical drama Bad Bridgets. The project will mark the second feature film from Rich Peppiatt, the BAFTA-winning filmmaker behind the acclaimed Irish-language hit Kneecap.
With its powerful story rooted in history, female rebellion, and survival, Bad Bridgets is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated independent films of the next few years.
A Star-Powered Collaboration
Daisy Edgar-Jones, known for her standout performances in Twisters and Normal People, joins forces with CODA star Emilia Jones in a project that promises to blend gripping historical realism with emotional storytelling. The film is currently titled Bad Bridgets, and both actresses are set to portray complex characters navigating hardship, resilience, and rebellion in 19th-century New York.
The film is being produced by LuckyChap Entertainment, the powerhouse company co-founded by Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley, and Josey McNamara, which is known for championing female-driven stories. LuckyChap has previously produced critically acclaimed projects like Barbie and Promising Young Woman.
Rich Peppiatt will both write and direct the film. His collaboration with LuckyChap marks an exciting partnership, combining his sharp storytelling and satirical eye with the studio’s commitment to bold, character-led narratives.
A Story Inspired by True Irish History
The screenplay for Bad Bridgets takes inspiration from the historical book Bad Bridget: Crime, Mayhem, and the Lives of Irish Emigrant Women by Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick. The film’s story centers on a young woman who receives a mysterious letter that propels her on a dangerous journey from famine-stricken Ireland to the bustling — and often brutal — streets of 19th-century New York.
There, she becomes one of the so-called “Bridgets,” a term used for Irish immigrant women who made headlines for their defiance, crime, and rebellion in a city shaped by inequality and cultural conflict. Through this gritty and emotional tale, Bad Bridgets will explore themes of displacement, survival, and the fight for independence during one of the most difficult periods in Irish history.
The script was developed with the support of Queen’s University Belfast, ensuring historical accuracy and cultural depth.
Production Details and Crew
Bad Bridgets will be filmed in Northern Ireland and Ireland, with production scheduled to begin in spring 2026. The production is being handled by Coup d’État Films, the banner founded by Rich Peppiatt and producer Trevor Birney in 2024.
Behind the camera, the film brings together an impressive team of creatives, including Oscar-winning production designer James Price and renowned costume designer Kate Hawley. Price’s attention to visual authenticity (best known for his work on The Favourite) and Hawley’s expertise in period fashion (credited for Crimson Peak and The Hobbit) suggest that Bad Bridgets will be a visually stunning experience.
The project is already attracting strong international attention, with FilmNation Entertainment handling global sales. The package will make its official debut at the American Film Market, where it’s expected to draw interest from major distributors. In the United States, WME Independent will represent the film.
Rich Peppiatt’s Meteoric Rise
Director Rich Peppiatt became a breakout name in the independent film scene after his debut feature Kneecap premiered at Sundance in 2024. The film, a raucous, music-driven comedy about a Belfast rap trio, received massive acclaim for its energy and originality.
Kneecap went on to win the NEXT Audience Award at Sundance, became the most nominated debut in BAFTA history, and took home the Outstanding Debut by a British Filmmaker award. It also dominated the British Independent Film Awards (seven wins) and Irish Film & Television Awards (five wins), before being selected as Ireland’s official submission for the 2025 Oscars.
Peppiatt’s rise from journalist to filmmaker has been remarkable, and Bad Bridgets looks set to further establish him as a leading creative voice in socially charged cinema. His storytelling style — darkly funny, emotionally sharp, and deeply human — fits perfectly with the defiant spirit of the Irish women at the heart of this new film.
A Perfect Match: Daisy and Emilia’s Dynamic Duo
Casting Daisy Edgar-Jones and Emilia Jones together adds significant star power and emotional range to the film.
Daisy Edgar-Jones has proven her dramatic prowess with roles in Normal People, Where the Crawdads Sing, and most recently Twisters. Her ability to portray both vulnerability and strength makes her a perfect fit for a story about survival and rebellion.
Emilia Jones, fresh off her Academy Award-winning ensemble in CODA, brings a quiet intensity and raw emotion that has made her one of the most in-demand young actresses in Hollywood. Together, they promise to deliver powerful performances that will define Bad Bridgets as a story of women reclaiming their voices against impossible odds.
Why ‘Bad Bridgets’ Could Be 2026’s Most Talked-About Indie Film
With its historical backdrop, female-driven narrative, and powerhouse creative team, Bad Bridgets has all the makings of a major festival hit. It will explore a rarely told chapter of Irish history, blending gritty realism with cinematic flair.
If Kneecap established Rich Peppiatt as a bold new filmmaker, Bad Bridgets could cement him as one of the most important storytellers of his generation.
As filming begins in 2026, audiences can expect a gripping, beautifully shot, and emotionally charged portrayal of courage, rebellion, and survival — led by two of Britain’s most talented stars.