Olivia Wilde is standing by her assertion that Shia LaBeouf was let go from Don’t Worry, Darling.
The director stood by her initial statements about LaBeouf’s removal, telling Vanity Fair that she made the decision after Florence Pugh, who plays the lead in Don’t Worry Darling, expressed displeasure with LaBeouf’s behavior during pre-production. This was after the Honey Boy actor claimed that he quit the movie.
„My responsibility was towards her. I’m like a mother wolf. Making the call was tricky, but in a way he understood. I don’t think it would’ve been a process he enjoyed. He comes at his work with an intensity that can be combative. It wasn’t the ethos that I demand in my productions. I want him to get well and to evolve because I think it’s a great loss to the film industry when someone that talented is unable to work.” Wilde stated.
In an interview with Variety on August 24, Wilde made the first mention of LaBeouf’s exit from the film. The actor from Peanut Butter Falcon, who had been chosen to play Jack in Don’t Worry Darling, left the picture in August 2020, and Harry Styles took his place.
„He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require 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. Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job.” She stated.
LaBeouf refuted Wilde’s claim that she fired him by sending an email he made to Wilde on August 26 in response to her Variety report, in which he indicates that he left the movie because of problems with the rehearsal.
„I am a little confused about the narrative that I was fired, however. You and I both know the reasons for my exit. I quit your film because your actors & I couldn’t find time to rehearse.” LaBeouf told Olivia Wilde.