In early September, “Don’t Worry Darling” premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival. But much more than the actual plot of Olivia Wilde’s thriller, the seething rumor mill surrounding the film has seemed to keep people busy ever since. In a conversation with US talk show host and satirist Stephen Colbert, Wilde now tried to clarify things.
Question number one: Shia LaBeouf was replaced by Harry Styles shortly after filming began. But was he fired, or did he leave voluntarily? Previously, Wilde said she fired LaBeouf because actress Florence Pugh was uncomfortable working with him. LaBeouf, on the other hand, said he left voluntarily.
The truth may lie somewhere in between, as Wilde now said. “We had to replace Shia,” Wilde said. “He’s a fantastic actor, but it wouldn’t have worked. When he gave me the ultimatum – he or Florence – I chose Florence. And in doing so, he felt like he was withdrawing on his own, and I felt like we’re moving on without him.”
.@oliviawilde sets the record straight about Shia LaBeouf’s departure from #Dont WorryDarling pic.twitter.com/scfmHAeZlG
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) September 22, 2022
The notorious spit-gate was also discussed: a video clip from the film premiere went viral on Twitter, in which it looks, at least at a cursory glance, as if Harry Styles was spitting on fellow film director Chris Pine. Wilde firmly rejected this: “No, he didn’t do that. But I think it’s a perfect example of people looking for drama wherever they can.”
“People will look for drama anywhere they can. Harry didn’t spit on Chris, in fact.” — @oliviawilde on #spitgate
More tonight on @CBS at 11:35/10:35c. #LSSC pic.twitter.com/RQS54WJH0G
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) September 22, 2022
Finally, there was the rumor that Wilde and Pugh had fallen out. “I have nothing but respect for Florence’s talent,” Wilde said. “She is fantastic. She’s on the set of Dune right now, and nothing’s cooler than a busy actress. I have nothing against them, for whatever reason.”
Wilde also noted that male directors don’t get asked such questions: “People would actually talk about the movie itself,” Wilde said. “They’re celebrated for being bullying. There may be scrutiny around them from time to time, but that doesn’t drown out talk of their actual talent or the film itself. It’s something we’re just beginning to expect.” The standards for women and men in the world in general are very different.”