Polish film casting dispute sparks controversy among actors and producers

A significant controversy has erupted in the Polish entertainment industry regarding the casting for the film “Nigdy w życiu. 20 lat później,” a sequel based on the works of Katarzyna Grochola.

The dispute began when actress Joanna Jabłczyńska, who played the character Tosia in the 2004 original, announced she would not return for the sequel. Jabłczyńska expressed disappointment, claiming she was unaware that her discussions with the production were part of a formal casting process. The production, however, maintains that a casting session was held involving six actresses, including Jabłczyńska, and that Agnieszka Żulewska was ultimately selected for the role.

The conflict escalated as it drew in other public figures. Katarzyna Grochola, the author and producer, threatened legal action, while her daughter, Dorota Szelągowska, became involved in a heated exchange with Jabłczyńska. Szelągowska later apologized for her comments after facing significant online backlash.

Despite the tension, the dispute led to a charitable outcome: following a request from Grochola, Jabłczyńska contributed to a collective aid fund, which raised over 558,000 PLN.