Everything Olivia Wilde, Shia LaBeouf, Cast Have Said About ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Drama

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Everything Olivia Wilde, Shia LaBeouf, Cast Have Said About ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Drama

Don’t Worry Darling is finally on its way to theaters, but its journey to the big screen has been rife with drama. In addition to dealing with numerous complications due to the pandemic, the Olivia Wilde-directed feature, starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, has had its fair share of challenges and buzz-worthy headlines along the way. The production — written by Katie Silberman, who also wrote Wilde’s first feature, Booksmart — began shooting back in October 2020 and is set to premiere in September 2022. It hit its first roadblock when Dakota Johnson, who landed the role of Margaret, had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict with another film. Following her exit, the project saw another one of its leads, Shia LaBeouf, depart production in September 2020 — allegedly also due to a scheduling issue. LaBeouf was set to play Pugh's husband, Jack Chambers, but Styles was recast in the role. In February 202, Wilde talked about having a “no a–holes policy” on set, causing many to speculate about alleged tension between the Richard Jewell actress and her former lead. [jwplayer 7YyeMjMr-zhNYySv2] She further explained what went down with LaBeouf in an August 2022 interview with Variety ahead of the film’s release. “He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe that is conducive to the best performances. I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work,” she shared with the outlet. “Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job.” LaBeouf responded to the allegations in a statement to Variety in August 222, alleging that his firing “never took place.” “While I fully understand the attractiveness of pushing that story because of the current social landscape, the social currency that brings. It is not the truth,” he stated. “So, I am humbly asking, as a person with an eye toward making things right, that you correct the narrative as best you can. I hope none of this negatively effects [sic] you, and that your film is successful in all the ways you want it to be.” Following the announcement of the film’s premiere date, there were allegations made that Styles — who began dating the director after they connected on set — was paid three times more than Pugh, even though they had equal lead roles. Wilde went on to deny those claims in her August 2022 interview with Variety, calling the false narratives “clickbait.” She added: "There has been a lot out there that I largely don't pay attention to. But the absurdity of invented clickbait and subsequent reaction regarding a nonexistent pay disparity between our lead and supporting actors really upset me." Scroll down to review all the drama that occurred around Don’t Worry Darling:

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Everything Olivia Wilde, Shia LaBeouf, Cast Have Said About ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Drama

Don’t Worry Darling is finally on its way to theaters, but its journey to the big screen has been rife with drama. In addition to dealing with numerous complications due to the pandemic, the Olivia Wilde-directed feature, starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, has had its fair share of challenges and buzz-worthy headlines along the way. The production — written by Katie Silberman, who also wrote Wilde’s first feature, Booksmart — began shooting back in October 2020 and is set to premiere in September 2022. It hit its first roadblock when Dakota Johnson, who landed the role of Margaret, had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict with another film. Following her exit, the project saw another one of its leads, Shia LaBeouf, depart production in September 2020 — allegedly also due to a scheduling issue. LaBeouf was set to play Pugh's husband, Jack Chambers, but Styles was recast in the role. In February 202, Wilde talked about having a “no a–holes policy” on set, causing many to speculate about alleged tension between the Richard Jewell actress and her former lead. [jwplayer 7YyeMjMr-zhNYySv2] She further explained what went down with LaBeouf in an August 2022 interview with Variety ahead of the film’s release. “He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe that is conducive to the best performances. I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work,” she shared with the outlet. “Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job.” LaBeouf responded to the allegations in a statement to Variety in August 222, alleging that his firing “never took place.” “While I fully understand the attractiveness of pushing that story because of the current social landscape, the social currency that brings. It is not the truth,” he stated. “So, I am humbly asking, as a person with an eye toward making things right, that you correct the narrative as best you can. I hope none of this negatively effects [sic] you, and that your film is successful in all the ways you want it to be.” Following the announcement of the film’s premiere date, there were allegations made that Styles — who began dating the director after they connected on set — was paid three times more than Pugh, even though they had equal lead roles. Wilde went on to deny those claims in her August 2022 interview with Variety, calling the false narratives “clickbait.” She added: "There has been a lot out there that I largely don't pay attention to. But the absurdity of invented clickbait and subsequent reaction regarding a nonexistent pay disparity between our lead and supporting actors really upset me." Scroll down to review all the drama that occurred around Don’t Worry Darling:

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What Happened With Dakota Johnson?

The Fifty Shades of Gray actress was first reported by Deadline in May 2020 to have joined the cast for the 1950s-set flick. She later dropped out in October 2020 due to a scheduling conflict with the Maggie Gyllenhaal-directed film The Lost Daughter and was replaced with Kiki Layne.

Though Johnson missed working with the director this time around, there were no hard feelings, as the Madame Web star sent Wilde a bouquet of flowers on the first day of shooting.

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What Did Olivia Wilde Have to Say About Shia LaBeouf's Exit?

In September 2020, Deadline reported that Styles would be joining the cast opposite Pugh after LaBeouf allegedly left the project “due to a scheduling conflict.” Following the American Honey actor’s departure, Wilde discussed not allowing actors on her set who don’t contribute positively to the project, causing many to believe some sort of drama occurred with LaBeouf.

“Someone, who’s a very established actor and director in this industry, gave me really terrible advice that was helpful, because I just knew I had to do the opposite,” the House alum said during a February 2021 interview with Variety. “They said, ‘Listen, the way to get respect on a set, you have to have three arguments a day. Three big arguments that reinstate your power, remind everyone who’s in charge, be the predator.’ That is the opposite of my process. And I want none of that ... The no a–holes policy, it puts everybody on the same level."

During another interview with Variety in August 2022, Wilde explained why LaBeouf left. “I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work. His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions,” she claimed.

Further in her interview, Wilde went on to explain that she wanted Pugh to feel as comfortable as possible with her scene partner. “A lot came to light after this happened that really troubled me, in terms of his behavior,” she continued. “For our film, what we really needed was an energy that was incredibly supportive. Particularly with a movie like this, I knew that I was going to be asking Florence to be in very vulnerable situations, and my priority was making her feel safe and making her feel supported. I find myself just really wishing [Shia] health and evolution because I believe in restorative justice." 

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Did Shia LaBeouf Respond to the Allegations?

The Nymphomaniac actor shot back against those claims shortly after the interview’s release, telling the outlet in a statement that he “quit the film due to the lack of rehearsal time.” The Los Angeles native sent the outlet emails he claimed to have exchanged with the O.C. alum, in which he wrote, “You and I both know the reasons for my exit. I quit your film because your actors and I couldn’t find time to rehearse.”

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What Did Shia LaBeouf Share About His Rift With Olivia Wilde?

Along with his email, the Peanut Butter Falcon star included a leaked video to Variety that Wilde allegedly sent to him in August 2020. “I feel like I’m not ready to give up on this yet, and I too, am heartbroken and I want to figure this out,” she said, seemingly referring to LaBeouf’s departure from the movie. The filmmaker went on to say it was a “bit of a wake-up call for Miss Flo,” seemingly referencing Pugh, before noting that she wanted to know if he was “open to giving this a shot with me, with us.”

Wilde continued: “If she really commits, if she really puts her mind and heart into it at this point, and if you guys can make peace — and I respect your point of view, I respect hers — but if you guys can do it, what do you think?” The Vinyl alum concluded by asking the Honey Boy actor whether or not he thought there was “hope,” requesting that he “let [her] know” his decision.

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What Happened Between Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles?

In addition to the alleged behind-the-scenes beef between Wilde and LaBeouf, Don’t Worry Darling also garnered buzz during filming when the director and Styles were spotted holding hands off set in January 2021 — two months after Wilde split from fiancé Jason Sudeikis.

A source exclusively told Us Weekly at the time that the couple developed a connection after working together on the movie. "Olivia and Harry were able to keep their relationship under wraps for a bit before it became public knowledge," the insider noted to Us. "They were very careful about it and even sleuthy at times, although the small group of people who were on set with them every day eventually figured it out."

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What Was the Pay Disparity Drama With Florence Pugh About?

During her August 2022 interview with Variety, Wilde addressed rumors of a pay disparity between Pugh and Styles which many speculated to have caused a rift between the Little Women star and the New York native. “There has been a lot out there that I largely don’t pay attention to,” Wilde shared. “But the absurdity of invented clickbait and subsequent reaction regarding a nonexistent pay disparity between our lead and supporting actors really upset me."

She added: “I’m a woman who has been in this business for over 20 years, and it’s something that I have fought for myself and others, especially being a director. There is absolutely no validity to those claims.”

Moreover, discussion about the promotion of the movie indicated potential differences of opinion in how the actors were portrayed, with Wilde telling Variety the sex scenes were “integral” to the story while Pugh revealed she was unhappy with those scenes being the central focus in the trailer.

“When it’s reduced to your sex scenes, or to watch the most famous man in the world go down on someone, it’s not why we do it,” the Midsommar actress said in an August 2022 interview with Harpers Bazaar. “It’s not why I’m in this industry...That’s just not what I’m going to be discussing because [this movie is] bigger and better than that. And the people who made it are bigger and better than that.”

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Was There Drama Between Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh?

Amid the other controversy surrounding the film, fans noticed that the Black Widow actress had been quiet about her upcoming movie on social media other than sharing a short clip via Instagram.

According to an August 2022 report by The Wrap, Pugh had no plans to do any press for the film apart from appearing at the Venice Film Festival premiere. 

"Florence and Olivia have had several disagreements personally and professionally, that's why Florence isn't doing any press for the movie," an insider exclusively revealed to Us later that month.

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Why Did Florence Pugh Skip Promotional Events for 'Don't Worry Darling'?

Amid the tension between Pugh and Wilde, the Fighting With My Family star also has other commitments that create scheduling conflicts. She is filming Dune 2 amid the Don't Worry Darling world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September.

The England native is expected to arrive in Venice from the Hungary Dune set more than an hour after the Don't Worry Darling press conference starts, Deadline reports. While she'll skip the group interview, Pugh is expected to walk the red carpet and watch the film with her costars on September 5. She'll leave right after the screening to be back on the Budapest set the following morning.

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'Well-Nourished' Gossip

During a press conference for the film at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2022, Wilde refused to address speculation about the rumored feuds with Pugh and LaBeouf. The Little Women star did not appear at the event herself because she was flying in from Hungary, where she is filming the Dune sequel.

“Florence is a force," Wilde said of her leading lady. "We are so grateful she’s able to make it tonight [for the red carpet] despite being in production on Dune. I know as a director how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day, so I’m very grateful to her and to [Dune director Denis Villeneuve] for helping us. And we’ll get to celebrate her work tonight. I can’t say how honored I am to have her as our lead. She’s amazing. As for all the endless tabloid gossip and all the noise out there, the internet feeds itself. I don’t feel the need to contribute; I think it’s sufficiently well-nourished." 

When a reporter asked about rumored drama with LaBeouf, Wilde said only that the question had already been answered because "it's on the internet." 

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Did Harry Styles Really Spit on Chris Pine?

After the film's September 2022 premiere in Venice, video surfaced on social media that seemed to show Styles spitting on costar Chris Pine while taking his seat for the screening. Following rampant social media speculation about what really happened, a rep for the Star Trek actor denied that there was any tension between the two men. “This is a ridiculous story — a complete fabrication and the result of an odd online illusion that is clearly deceiving and allows for foolish speculation,” the rep told Us one day after the movie premiere. “Just to be clear, Harry Styles did not spit on Chris Pine. There is nothing but respect between these two men and any suggestion otherwise is a blatant attempt to create drama that simply does not exist.”

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'The Energy Was Incredible'

Pugh shared a slideshow of photos via Instagram after the movie's Venice premiere and gushed over her costars. "I’m still taking it all in!" she wrote in September 2022, without directly naming Wilde or Styles. "What a moment this was? A massive congratulations to everyone standing on that carpet. We premiered in Venice! A huge wonderful win in itself. I’d never been to Venice Film Festival before. It was mega! The crowds! The cheers! The energy was incredible. And to all the cast and crew as well who helped to make this movie, thank you for all of your hard work. We genuinely wouldn’t have been there without your talent and we appreciate it hugely."

The Lady Macbeth star also gave a shout-out to Pine, who went viral for bringing his own camera to the red carpet. "I also just can’t help but post how bloody cute and hilarious Chris Pine is for being the no.1 photographer, getting down on white pressed trousered knees for angles," Pugh continued. "Now that’s dedication. Love you Chrissy."

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Nick Kroll Enters the Chat

Following the September 2022 premiere in Venice, the Big Mouth star posted a TikTok video poking fun at his lack of involvement in all the drama. “POV: pulling up to the @dontworrydarlin premiere as just a supporting actor,” he joked in the clip, which showed fans ready to film him as he arrived at the event. “Not who you want, ladies. Sorry, not Harry, not Olivia, not Florence. … Hi, you don’t know me. Nope, nope, nope.”

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Taking His 'Viral Moment' in Jest

Styles addressed the rumors he spit on his costar during his September 2022 15-night residency at Madison Square Garden.

“Wonderful to be back in New York, I just popped very quickly to Venice to spit on Chris Pine,” the “Watermelon Sugar” singer joked of the now-viral moment. “But fraught not, we’re back and our job tonight is to entertain you and I promise, we are going to do our absolute very best.”

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How Does Olivia Wilde Feel About Florence Pugh’s Alleged Lack of Promotion?

While Pugh has been absent from most Don’t Worry Darling press engagements and has skipped promoting the film via her social media, Wilde has reacted to the alleged social media snub.

“Florence is one of the most in-demand actresses in the universe. She’s on set on Dune,” the Change-Up actress told Vanity Fair in a September 2022 interview. “I gather that some people expect for her to be engaging more on social media. I didn’t hire her to post. I hired her to act. She fulfilled every single expectation I had of her. That’s all that matters to me.”

Wilde added: “Florence’s performance in this film is astounding. It’s just baffling to me that the media would rather focus on baseless rumors and gossip, thereby overshadowing her profound talent. She deserves more than that. As does the movie, and everyone who worked so hard on it.”

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What Else Did Shia Have to Say About Olivia's Comments on His Departure?

In September 2022, the actor addressed Wilde's claims about his "combative energy" that led to her alleged decision to fire him. "It is what it is — every blessing to her and her film," he told The Hollywood Reporter at the time.

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Why Did Chris Pine and Florence Pugh Miss the NYC Premiere?

While Styles, Wilde and more of the film's stars appeared at the New York City premiere of Don't Worry Darling in September 2022, Pugh and Pine were notably absent. The duo recorded a video message for fans that was played for viewers ahead of the screening. Pugh explained that she was "working halfway around the world," referring to the fact that she was filming Dune: Part Two in Europe, while Pine noted that he was "all the way in Los Angeles in production myself.” The U.K. native added: “We did not want to miss this opportunity to thank you for coming to experience Don’t Worry Darling in IMAX.”

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What Did Wilde Say About Spitgate?

During a September 2022 interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Wilde addressed the rumors that Styles spit on Pine, using it as an example that "people will look for drama anywhere they can."

Host Stephen Colbert then asked the Booksmart director point blank: "Did Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine? Why or why not?” to which Wilde replied, “No, he did not!” 

When the Daily Show alum wasn’t convinced, the New York native reiterated, “He really didn’t! He didn’t.”

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What Did Wilde Say About LaBeouf's 'Ultimatum'?

Amid their war of words — Wilde claiming the Disturbia actor was fired from the film, LaBeouf insisting that he quit — the director appeared to set the record straight with Colbert in September 2022.

“We had to replace Shia. He is a fantastic actor, but it wasn’t gonna work,” she told the talk show host. “When he gave me the ultimatum of, you know, him or Florence, I choose Florence.”

At the same time, she noted that both her and LaBeouf's perspectives were both true.

“[My choosing Florence over him] was [Shia] feeling like he was stepping away and me feeling like we were moving on without him,” Wilde added.

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What Did Wilde Have to Say About Those Nanny Rumors?

Wilde and Sudeikis issued a rare, joint statement in October 2022 after their former nanny made multiple claims to the Daily Mail about their split — and how Styles was allegedly involved.

“As parents, it’s incredibly upsetting to learn that a former nanny of our two young children would choose to make up such false and scurrilous accusations about us publicly,” the actors told Us in a joint statement at the time about the allegations, which included Wilde cheating on Sudeikis with Styles during a DWD trip to Palm Springs and Sudeikis lying underneath Wilde's car to prevent her from seeing the singer. “This is the unfortunate apex of a now, 18-month-long campaign of harassing us, as well as our loved ones, close friends and colleagues. We will continue to focus on raising and protecting our children with the sincere hope that she will now choose to leave our family alone.”

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What Does Nick Kroll Think of the ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Drama?

“The Don’t Worry Darling trailer came out, and people were excited about it. People have been thinking about this movie for a while,” the Big Mouth alum told The Hollywood Reporter in October 2022. “Then all of the mishegas happens, the drama around the movie started to take hold, and I was not a part of any of that. I’m not distancing myself at all, I just wasn’t doing press at that point. My first exposure to it all was literally on the red carpet in Venice, and I was like, ‘Ohhhh, I think people might be interested in this.’ And I was right.”

He added: “And all the insanity, so much of it was nonsense that it was like, ‘Yeah, I’m happy to talk about this, this is insane.’”

Kroll noted that the film crew “made it in the thick of COVID, pre-vaccine,” before calling his own experience “a blast.”

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She'll Pass

In February 2023, Pugh declined to discuss the "media frenzy" surrounding Don't Worry Darling during an interview with Vanity Fair. "Ideally I don’t really want to be going down the Don’t Worry Darling conversation because this whole release for The Wonder has been so positive and I’ve been really excited to talk about that," she told the magazine. "I don’t really feel the need to go into the nitty-gritty details of Don’t Worry Darling. So, if it’s OK, I’ll probably just let that one sit."