Olivia Wilde Breaks Silence on Shia Labeouf Quitting Claim: 'There Was No Going Forward With Him'
Up-and-coming director Olivia Wilde finally speaks out on the controversial claim by Shia LaBeouf contesting her alleged decision of firing him.
"Don't Worry Darling" is an upcoming psychological thriller film directed by Olivia Wilde. The film recently premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival. Originally, "Transformers" star Shia LaBeouf was set to star in the film as Jack, alongside Florence Pugh as his partner, Alice. However, the former was replaced by pop star Harry Styles, for reasons that continue to be debated.
In a past interview with Variety, director Olivia Wilde spilled the tea about firing LaBeouf on "Don't Worry Darling" in light of his recent troubling behavior. However, the 36 year old actor contested this claim and forwarded an email to Variety addressing the false claims.
Now the "Booksmart" director breaks her silence in an interview with Vanity Fair and subtly continues to push the narrative that LaBeouf was fired from the film by referring to his emails and screenshots as "out of context".
"This issue is so much more nuanced than can be explained in private texts released out of context. All I'll say is he was replaced, and there was no going forward with him. I wish him the best in his recovery." Wilde expressed.
Initially, the 38 year old director had been dodging the subject of LaBeouf in recent interviews, and referred to the topic as "tabloid gossip" that she would not address.
Olivia Pushes Safety Narrative
According to Olivia's initial statement on LaBeouf, she had fired the 36 year old actor on "Don't Worry Darling" and emphasized creating a "safe, trusting environment" as one of the things she had to take into consideration. Wilde also implied that she had to take Florence Pugh's feelings into account.
"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." Wilde explained, "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."
Aside from the contesting narratives between LaBeouf and Wilde, "Don't Worry Darling" has been surrounded by drama and controversies. The film is set for a theatrical release on September 23, 2022.
