Alia Bhatt Joins YRF Spy Universe. To Replace Deepika Padukone Due To Pregnancy?

Alia Bhatt has been making a lot of headlines ever since the speculations of her upcoming YRF Spy Universe film broke the internet. And now, this speculation turned into news when Yash Raj Films’ CEO Akshaye Widani confirmed that Alia will indeed be headlining a YRF Spy Universe film soon at FICCI Frames. But the real question here is, will Alia be replacing the soon-to-be mother Deepika Padukone for the upcoming film?

When persistently questioned about unveiling a new development within the YRF Spy Universe, Akshaye responded, “I'll share the worst kept secret in the industry, which is, Alia Bhatt is headlining a Spy Universe film and that the schedule starts later this year. But you know, talking about this spy universe, we are actually just so thrilled and excited about having this IP in the studio.”

He added, “I think the YRF Spy Universe is a financial and cultural juggernaut. And as one of the most prized IPs, we take a lot of pride in it. So there's a lot of stuff that's going to come on the spy universe. We're going to see more and more films getting made under it. But of course, not going to share everything here. But we will talk about it at a more opportune time. But for now, I can just say that Alia Bhatt is headlining a spy universe film.”

Previously, it was reported that Alia is all set to team up with Sharvari Wagh for their upcoming untitled Spy Universe film. While Akshaye didn’t really confirm that Alia will be Deepika’s replacement, he didn’t deny that theory either.

The YRF Spy Universe began with Salman Khan's Ek Tha Tiger (2012), followed by Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), and War (2019), featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. It continued with Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, and Tiger 3 with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. The upcoming project is War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., and Kiara Advani, directed by Ayan Mukerji.