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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Tina Campbell

Olivia Wilde finally addresses why she sacked Shia LaBeouf from upcoming movie Don’t Worry Darling

Olivia Wilde has opened up on her decision to axe Shia LaBeouf from upcoming movie Don’t Worry Darling

(Picture: Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Olivia Wilde has finally spoken out about her decision to replace Shia LaBeouf with Harry Styles in her upcoming movie Don’t Worry Darling.

This marks the actress-turned-director’s second feature following her 2019 directorial debut, Booksmart.

The 38-year-old has previously remained tight-lipped on her decision to swap leading men in the psychological thriller, but has now opened up in a new interview with Variety.

Stressing that she is an “admirer of his work”, she told the publication that she had concerns about LaBeouf’s “process”.

Olivia Wilde said she had concerns about Shia LaBeouf’s ‘process’ (Getty Images)

“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,” she explained.

After LaBeouf was let go, his public life became the subject of multiple headlines, including ex-girlfriend FKA twigs suing him for alleged sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress.

He then parted ways with talent agency CAA and began receiving inpatient care

“A lot came to light after this happened that really troubled me, in terms of his behaviour,” Wilde added. “I find myself just really wishing him health and evolution because I believe in restorative justice.”

Harry Styles was ultimately cast to star alongside Florence Pugh in Don’t Worry Darling (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Don’t Worry Darling - which is released in UK cinemas on September 23 - stars Florence Pugh and Styles as a 1950s married couple who becomes ensnared with a cult in their idyllic town.

Alluding to the movie’s sex scenes, Wilde said: “I knew that I was going to be asking Florence [Pugh] to be in very vulnerable situations, and my priority was making her feel safe and making her feel supported.”

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