A look at Nicola Peltz’s directorial debut film Lola James but why did she cut Brooklyn Beckham?

Nicola Peltz may have felt out of control when planning her dream wedding in April last year to Brooklyn Beckham, but the Transformers actress is completely in the driver’s seat for her new film.

Serving as a triple threat, seasoned actress Nicola has turned her hand to directing and writing, teaming up with Bria Vinaite (The Florida Project), for Lola James. 

The Indie drama is said to follow the 19-year-old Lola James in 2002 as she not only finds a way to get her younger brother Arlo out of their toxic home situation, but also continues to battle a drug addiction.

Nicola had previously revealed that she loved to act and had an ambition to direct, but only considered writing in private and not for the silver screen. 

However, after putting pen to paper about a story that had been living in her head for a while, Lola James was born - “It was wild…it’s half made up, but some of the relationships are based on my life.”

With some of the characters taking inspiration from Nicola’s life, the Bates Motel actress also found her other half appearing in the film as Brooklyn Beckham wanted to support his wife’s directorial debut - but can you see Brooklyn in Lola James? PeopleWorld takes a look:

Why did Nicola Peltz cut her husband Brooklyn Beckham out of the film?

Although the married couple are looking to celebrate their one-year anniversary next month, their on-screen chemistry did not make it past the final cut.

Nicola recounted in a Sunday Times interview that Brooklyn had asked to be in Lola James, starting out as an extra in the background before asking his then-fiance if he could turn on his mic and say a few lines.

After doing so, Nicola told Sunday Times: “I started laughing so hard. He had the most British accent ever. I ended up cutting him!”

Although Brooklyn does not feature centre stage in Lola James, Nicola said eagle-eyed fans will be able to spot Victoria and David’s eldest son in the background of some scenes.

Who else stars in Lola James?

Despite Nicola’s husband not being listed among the top credited actors in Lola James, Nicola managed to create a stellar line-up for her directorial debut including her brother Will Peltz. 

Will has previously starred in thrillers such as Abduction and Unfriended and is set to play Frankie alongside Nicola who stars as the titular character in Lola James.

Haunting in Connecticut's Virginia Madsen joins the cast as well as Euphoria’s Richie Merritt and Luke David Blumm as the nine-year-old Arlo.

Lastly, Nicola was able to recruit thriller experts for her drama film with Stephanie Erb being listed among the intimate cast, after recently working on the SAG nominated Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. 

When can I watch Lola James?

Lola James started principal photography in March 2021 and concluded just one month later in Los Angeles, California.

At time of writing, a specific date has not been given for when Lola James will hit screens, but it is reportedly going to be in cinemas sometime later this year.