Shia LaBeouf has denied being sacked from the part finally occupied by Harry Styles in Olivia Wilde’s upcoming movie Don’t Worry Darling.
The actor abandoned the movie “due to a lack of rehearsal time,” according to an email he wrote to Variety. He also provided an email he addressed to Wilde in reaction to her allegations about his behaviour on set to Variety.
Wilde stated in a previous Variety piece that “[LaBeouf’s] method was not conducive to the ethos that I require in my films… He has a method that appears to need confrontational energy in certain aspects, which I don’t feel is conducive to the finest results. I believe that the greatest approach to motivate individuals to accomplish their best job is to create a secure, trusting environment. Finally, it is my obligation to safeguard the production and the performers. That was my responsibility.”
In the psychological thriller about a married couple living in a town governed by a malevolent business, LaBeouf was originally set as the male protagonist opposite Florence Pugh. Styles took up the post after he left in August 2020. Later that year, LaBeouf was sued for sexual violence, assault, and cause of mental distress by his ex-girlfriend FKA twigs. In a court filing, LaBeouf’s counsel stated that the actor “denies generally and explicitly each and every accusation” in the case.
“A lot came to light after this happened that really disturbed me in terms of his behaviour,” Wilde continued. I knew I was going to put [Pugh] in incredibly sensitive positions, so my top concern was to make her feel secure and supported.”
LaBeouf quotes a message he alleges he wrote to Wilde in his email to Variety: “I am a little perplexed by the narrative that I was fired, though.” You and I both know why I’m leaving. I left your picture because neither your actors nor I could find time to rehearse.”
“Firing me never happened,” he says. It is not the case. So, as someone who cares about getting things right, I respectfully request that you rectify the narrative as best you can.”
LaBeouf also submitted a series of texts and mails between himself and Wilde, which he claims proves he deliberately departed the project.
Representatives for Wilde have been contacted for comment.