In December 2020, the director of the psychological thriller film fired the 'Even Stevens' star from the project, with her boyfriend Harry Styles replacing him.
- August 25, 2022
AceShowbiz - Olivia Wilde has broken her silence over Shia LaBeouf's "Don't Worry Darling" firing. The director of the psychological thriller film fired the "Even Stevens" star from the project, with her boyfriend Harry Styles replacing him in the role of Jack.
Speaking to Variety, the 38-year-old actress/director said, "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 added, "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."
Explaining that she truly valued a "safe, trusting environment," Olivia went on to note, "Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them. That was my job."
"A lot came to light after this happened that really troubled me, in terms of his behavior," Olivia further shared, "I find myself just really wishing him health and evolution because I believe in restorative justice. But for our film, what we really needed was an energy that was incredibly supportive." She later reiterated that her "priority" was making Florence Pugh "feel safe and making her feel supported" as she was put in "very vulnerable situations."
Shortly after his exit, Shia was accused of "relentless abuse" and sexual battery in a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, FKA Twigs. He later denied the allegations in a 2021 court filing, stating that his former flame "has not suffered any injury or damage as a result of [his] actions."
Back in April 2020, it was announced that Shia would be starring opposite Florence in the highly-anticipated psychological thriller. However, by that December, it was unveiled that the "Transformers" star had been let go from the project.
At the time, the studio claimed Shia dropped out of the role as he had scheduling conflicts. A few days later, it was reported that he was actually fired from the film, as his "off-putting" style clashed with the cast and crew, ultimately violating Olivia's "zero a**hole policy."
