Keira Knightley has dropped out of Apple TV+ drama The Essex Serpent.

She was lined as much as play the lead position within the streaming service’s adaptation of Sarah Perry’s 2016 novel, which follows a widow named Cora who relocates to Essex along with her younger son and turns into intrigued by a neighborhood superstition {that a} legendary creature has returned to the world.

Nonetheless, a consultant for the actress has confirmed she “needed to sadly pull out” of the position for “household causes” (through Every day Mail).

Filming on the challenge, which was as a result of start subsequent month, has now been placed on maintain.

Considerations about childcare amid the coronavirus pandemic and rolling lockdown restrictions are thought to have prompted Keira to give up the collection.

“There wasn’t a cushty situation for Keira that might be put in place for an prolonged interval of childcare required for the four-and-a-half-month manufacturing,” her consultant added.

It is unknown whether or not Keira will stay as an government producer for the present, which is now on the lookout for a brand new lead actress.

The Essex Serpent will likely be directed by Clio Barnard (Darkish River) and is written by Anna Symon (Mrs Wilson).

It is thought Keira will nonetheless make her TV return in Hulu interval drama The Different Typist.

The suspense-thriller is about in New York throughout the prohibition period and follows two feminine colleagues who activate one another following a horrible crime.

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