Back in July 2019, director Olivia Wilde announced her next movie, a psychological thriller,
Don’t Worry Darling. The movie was highly anticipated with a star-studded cast including Shia
LaBeouf, Florence Pugh, and Chris Pine. However, over the next three years, controversy over
cast changes, off-screen romances, and rumors of feuds, will spark headlines.
Originally, Lebeouf was cast as the male lead, Jack Chambers. However, on September 11,
2020, it was announced that pop star Harry Styles would take over the role due to LeBeouf’s
scheduling conflicts. LaBeouf was later sued for “relentless abuse” by his ex-girlfriend FKA
Twigs, and insiders, according to Variety, claimed that he “exhibited poor behavior and his style
clashed with the cast and crew, including Wilde, who ultimately fired him.” A few years later,
Olivia officially stated that she fired Shia to “protect” the set from ‘combative energy”. Then, on
August 26th, 2022, Shia speaks out and denies that he was fired as a video leaked showing
Wilde begging Shia to stay in the film stating that she’s “not ready to give up on this yet”.
Wilde has also dealt with criticism over her relationship with Harry Styles that emerged while
filming. The pair were photographed holding hands at a wedding which caused a lot of heat
from Style’s fans. Many call the relationship fake and a PR stunt. There’s also concerns about
the 10 year age gap. Both have come out and defended their relationship but fans are still not
convinced.
Along with that, it's been rumored that Wilde and Florence Pugh, who plays the leading role of
Alice Chambers, have been feuding. After the cast was announced, Pugh went to Instagram to
express her excitement, calling Wilde her “idol”. However, shortly after, rumors of hostility
sparked from Pugh’s lack of promotion of the film, leaving fans to wonder whether she was
distancing herself from the film. Then on August 16th, 2022, a few months after Wilde discussed
“highlighting female pleasure” in the film, Pugh gave her thoughts in an interview with Harper's
Bizarre, “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. It’s not why I’m in this industry.”
Despite the issues on set, there’s no doubt there are many people still looking forward to
watching Don’t Worry Darling when it drops in theaters on September 23. There's nothing that
will create an audience like drama and a famous pop star.