A Complete Guide to the Don’t Worry Darling Drama

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The budding relationship between Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles was already a hot topic, giving people plenty to talk about while waiting for movie snacks.

Instead of excitement, the making of Olivia Wildeā€™s 2022 film, Don’t Worry Darling, was plagued by drama and widespread rumors of conflict, overshadowing any natural anticipation for its release.

As she succinctly put it during a June 17 appearance on Call Her Daddy, it was “f–king bananas.”Ā 

At least, that’s what it seemed like publicly. Wilde explained she felt completely detached from the public image being discussed and found it bizarre when false stories were presented as truth.

She explained how frustrating it was, wishing she could simply address the rumors surrounding what was actually a happy period in her life. She often wanted to say, ‘That’s not true!’ but was advised that speaking up wouldn’t be helpful, which she found very difficult.

The movie seemed really promising, especially the story of Alice, a 1950s housewife played by Florence Pugh, who begins to question her sanity (or if she’s the only one who is sane!). It centers around her and her ambitious husband, Jack (Harry Styles), as he becomes consumed by a secretive project led by his captivating boss, Frank (Chris Pine).

When the psychological thriller about a beautiful but unsettling desert community was released, criticsā€™ opinions were questionable, much like the character of Frank. Itā€™s hard to know what might have affected their reviews, similar to a jury being told to disregard certain evidence during a trial.

Wilde said on The Kelly Clarkson Show that things could have been much worse, but thankfully, everyone was safe and would be alright.

In a September 2022 interview on The Hollywood Reporterā€™s Behind the Screen podcast, Libatique stated that he didn’t notice anything unusual happening while working on set.

He said he had a sense that something was happening, but he didn’t feel any indication of it himself.

From the very beginning of Don’t Worry Darling ā€“ when it was just an idea Olivia Wilde had ā€“ to the strange rumors about Harry Styles spitting on Chris Pine at the premiere, hereā€™s a rundown of everything that happened (or people thought happened) before the movie came out. Decide for yourself what you believe.

In a September 2022 interview on The Hollywood Reporter‘s Behind the Screen podcast, Libatique stated that he didn’t notice anything unusual or problematic happening while he was working.

Honestly, he was talking about this vibe, like something was about to happen, you know? But me? I felt absolutely nothing. It’s like I’m completely disconnected from whatever everyone else is picking up on, and it’s so weird!

From the very beginning of Don’t Worry Darling ā€“ even when it was just an idea Olivia Wilde had ā€“ to the strange rumors about her boyfriend spitting on a co-star at the movie’s premiere, here’s a rundown of everything that happened, or was said to have happened, before the film came out. Decide for yourself what you believe.

Before news broke about Shia LaBeouf potentially being fired, his ex-girlfriend FKA twigs had already filed a lawsuit against him alleging sexual battery and ongoing abuse. Shortly after, he began receiving treatment. His lawyer stated at the time that LaBeouf recognized his need for help and they were working to find a long-term inpatient program. (LaBeouf denied the allegations in a February 2021 court document, and the case was settled privately in 2025.)

Wilde was among those who tweeted support for twigs after the lawsuit went public.

In an interview with Variety from August 2022, Olivia Wilde said she was a fan of Shia LaBeouf’s work but that troubling reports about his behavior surfaced after he left her film. She indicated she hadnā€™t been aware of the issues while he was still involved in the project.

She approached the situation with restorative justice in mind, wishing him well. However, for the film, she needed a very supportive atmosphere. Knowing she’d be asking Florence Pugh to portray vulnerable emotions, her main focus was ensuring Florence felt safe and well-supported throughout the process.

Oh my god, it was awful. Even before Variety reported anything about him possibly being fired, I was already so worried. His ex, FKA twigs ā€“ I adore her ā€“ sheā€™d filed this incredibly brave lawsuit detailing the abuse she suffered, saying it was relentless andā€¦ just heartbreaking. And then, thankfully, he checked into treatment. His lawyer even told TopMob News that Shia knew he needed help, that they were looking for serious, long-term care. It was a relief, honestly. Though, itā€™s so complicated. He denied everything in court papers back in February 2021, and they eventually settled out of court in 2025, but the details are all private, which isā€¦ frustrating, because I just want everyone to be okay.

Wilde was among those who tweeted support for twigs after the lawsuit went public.

In an August 2022 interview with Variety, Olivia Wilde said she was a fan of Shia LaBeouf’s work, but that she learned about troubling behavior of his only after he left her film.

She approached the situation with a belief in restorative justice, wishing him well. However, for the film, she needed a very supportive atmosphere. Knowing she would be asking Florence Pugh to portray vulnerable emotions, her main concern was ensuring Florence felt safe and well-supported throughout the process.

Weighing in for the first time on the matter, LaBeouf insistedĀ heĀ wasĀ not fired.

In two emails sent initially to Olivia Wilde following her interview with Variety and then shared with the publication on August 25, 2022, he expressed gratitude for her kind words about his work. He also clarified that he hadn’t been fired, stating they both knew why he left the filmā€”he resigned because of scheduling conflicts preventing sufficient rehearsal time with the actors.

In simpler terms, LaBeouf stated, “Olivia, you never actually fired me. I realize why you might want people to believe that story ā€“ it gets attention right now ā€“ but it’s not true. As someone who wants to set the record straight, Iā€™m asking you to correct what youā€™ve said. I hope this doesnā€™t cause any problems for you and that your movie does well.”

Weighing in for the first time on the matter, LaBeouf insistedĀ heĀ wasĀ not fired.

In two emails sent initially to Olivia Wilde after her interview with Variety ā€“ and then shared with the publication on August 25, 2022 ā€“ he wrote that he was honored by her kind words about his work. He also expressed confusion regarding reports that he had been fired, stating that they both knew why he left the film: he resigned because the actors and he were unable to schedule sufficient rehearsal time.

In simpler terms, LaBeouf stated, “Olivia, you never actually fired me. I realize why you might want people to believe that story right now ā€“ it gets attention ā€“ but it’s simply not true. As someone who wants to set the record straight, Iā€™m asking you to correct whatā€™s being said. I hope this doesn’t cause you any trouble and that your movie does well.”

DidĀ Olivia Wilde Get Served at CinemaCon on Purpose?

According to a source who spoke with TopMob News, Jason Sudeikis wasn’t aware his ex-partner would be handed custody papers while she was presenting their film, Don’t Worry Darling, at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April 2022.

Despite the slip-up ā€“ a messenger accidentally handed Wilde a “PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL” envelope directly, causing conference organizers to rethink their security ā€“ he received it. Looking confused, the filmmaker asked if it was meant for him and then jokingly wondered if it was a movie script before opening it immediately.

Wilde didn’t let the incident stop her, but later told Variety she considered it a harsh and unkind act.

DidĀ Olivia Wilde Get Served at CinemaCon on Purpose?

According to a source speaking with TopMob News, Jason Sudeikis was unaware that his ex-partner would be handed custody papers while she was presenting Don’t Worry Darling at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April 2022.

Despite the lapse in security ā€“ which prompted event organizers to review their protocols ā€“ a messenger delivered a “PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL” envelope directly to Wilde. Looking confused, the filmmaker asked if it was meant for him and then jokingly wondered if it was a script before immediately opening it.

I was shocked when it happened, but Wilde didn’t even seem to flinch at the time! Later, though, she told Variety that what occurred felt truly awful ā€“ she actually used the word ‘vicious’ to describe it.

Wilde said the incident occurred while she was working and felt clearly planned. She was upset because this negativity took attention away from everyone else involved and the studio she represented. She described trying to undermine the work as malicious, but emphasized her commitment to finishing the job despite the distraction. Sadly, she added that it wasnā€™t entirely unexpected, hinting at the reasons why she ended her previous relationship.

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis were a couple for nearly a decade before separating in early 2020. They now co-parent their two children, 12-year-old Otis and 9-year-old Daisy. Although they split earlier that year, the news became public in November 2020, which helped to dispel rumors about Wilde starting a new relationship too quickly.

Despite her denials, rumors continued to circulate that Wilde ended her relationship with Sudeikis for Styles. She strongly refuted these claims in an interview with Vanity Fair, calling them untrue, and had previously addressed a similar “false narrative” in a December 2021 article in Vogue.

The October cover star for Vanity Fair said she and Jason Sudeikis split up “well before” she started dating Harry Styles. She explained that, like many breakups, it wasn’t sudden. “Jason and I had a difficult time, and we officially ended things around the start of the pandemic.”

Was Florence Pugh Bothered by Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde’s Relationship?

Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles revealed their romantic relationship when she joined him at his managerā€™s wedding in Montecito in January 2021. They finished filming their movie the next month.

Rumors started on TikTok when Florence Pugh didn’t seem to be promoting her movie, Don’t Worry Darling, online. This was especially noticeable after Olivia Wilde shared a very complimentary photo of Pugh, and Pugh didn’t react to it. Wilde later explained to Vanity Fair that she hired Pugh for her acting skills, not her social media presence, and didn’t expect her to be actively promoting the film online.

Was Harry Styles Getting Paid More Than Florence Pugh?

Many people were upset to learn that Florence Pugh, an experienced and Academy Award-nominated actress, earned less for the film than Harry Styles, who was primarily known as a singer and had only acted in two other movies.

And it wasĀ notĀ true, according to Wilde.

She told Variety in an email that while she generally doesn’t follow gossip, she was particularly bothered by the false and sensationalized stories about unequal pay between the lead and supporting actors. Having worked in the industry for over 20 years ā€“ and as a director who advocates for fair treatment ā€“ she strongly denied the claims, stating they were completely untrue.

Was Harry Styles Getting Paid More Than Florence Pugh?

It felt incredibly unfair that Florence Pugh, an experienced and Academy Award-nominated actress, was reportedly earning less than Harry Styles, who was primarily known as a musician and had only been in a couple of films.

And it wasĀ notĀ true, according to Wilde.

She told Variety in an email that while she generally doesnā€™t focus on rumors, she was particularly bothered by the false stories claiming unequal pay between the main actors. Having worked in the industry for over two decades ā€“ and as a director who advocates for fair treatment ā€“ she strongly denied those claims, stating they were completely untrue.

Olivia Wilde, Harry StylesĀ and Florence Pugh Reunite for the Premiereā€”but Under What Circumstances?

Fans who hoped to see Harry Styles and Florence Pugh together on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival were unsure until the last minute about which events each of them would attend.

The director, along with stars Pine, Gemma Chan, Sydney Chandler, and Nick Kroll, all appeared on the red carpet, posing for photos as a group. Kroll even shared some funny moments on TikTok the next day. However, Florence Pugh didn’t attend the earlier press conference, which fueled ongoing speculation and buzz about the film.

Oscar Wilde spoke to the press about Florence Pugh, praising her dedication. He said she was a “force” and expressed gratitude that she could attend an event despite being busy filming Dune: Part Two. Wilde explained how difficult it is for a director when an actor is unavailable, even briefly, and thanked both Pugh and director Denis Villeneuve for making her attendance possible. They are all excited to honor her work tonight.

Regarding the constant rumors and drama surrounding Florence Pugh and myself, I don’t want to add to the conversation. The internet thrives on this kind of speculation, and I don’t feel obligated to fuel it any further ā€“ itā€™s getting plenty of attention already.

According to a source at the Venice Film Festival, Olivia Wilde is attempting to shift attention back to her movie and avoid further discussion of recent controversies surrounding the production.

Harry Styles Didn’t Spit on Chris Pine…Did He?

Pine’s representative firmly denied reports on September 6, 2022, that Styles spit on his Don’t Worry Darling co-star at the Venice Film Festival the night before. While a video of the incident circulated widely and was intensely scrutinized, it didn’t offer clear proof of anything. It seemed Pine was simply reacting playfully to something Styles said or did, and the video didn’t show Styles actually spitting.

According to Pine’s representative, there’s a strong mutual respect between the two men, and claims to the contrary are just manufactured drama.

Just when everyone thought the casting news had calmed down, another exciting rumor surfaced.

Florence PughĀ Decides Not to Worry About Commenting

Florence Pugh hasn’t commented on any of the reported issues surrounding the film, and she didn’t participate in any promotional activities except for attending the Venice premiere, where her stylists and makeup artists also became involved in the resulting attention.

On September 7, 2022, the star of Midsommar shared photos from the red carpet and remembered the amazing atmosphere from that evening.

She also expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in making the film, thanking the cast and crew for their dedication. She said they truly couldnā€™t have done it without their skills and appreciated all their hard work immensely.

Did Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde Break Up?

As often happens with high-profile couples, rumors began circulating that Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde had broken up, and this news came at an inconvenient time, just as Wilde’s film was nearing its release.

Despite rumors, Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde were still together and attended the after-party for the premiere of Don’t Worry Darling on September 19, 2022. Florence Pugh and Chris Pine couldn’t be there in person, but they sent video messages explaining they were both working on projects ā€“ Pugh was filming far away, and Pine was in Los Angeles.

Did Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde Break Up?

Itā€™s a common pattern with celebrity couples ā€“ rumors of a breakup often surface, especially as a movie release nears. Thatā€™s exactly what happened with Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde, with speculation appearing about them splitting up.

Nope, still together, and they showed up for theĀ Don’t Worry DarlingĀ New York premiereĀ after-party on Sept. 19, 2022. Pugh and Pine missed the event, but recorded messages played before the movie explaining that they were both far away for work, Pugh “halfway around the world” and Pine in L.A.

Okay, so I was totally losing it when I saw this! Even Harry’s mum, Anne Twist, loved ‘Don’t Worry Darling’! She saw it in France on September 21st and posted the sweetest thing on Instagram. She basically said Olivia Wilde and everyone did an amazing job, and then called Harry ‘a fabulous Jack’! Of course, she said she was super proud ā€“ can you blame her?! It was justā€¦ everything. Even though they broke up in November, seeing her support the movie, and him in it, was justā€¦ perfect. I screenshotted it immediately, obviously.

After facing harsh criticism ā€“ even attacks on her mother ā€“ Twist took to Instagram to defend herself. She explained that she simply enjoyed a movie and asked people who didnā€™t share her taste or didnā€™t like her to simply stop following her. She urged the online trolls to be ashamed of their behavior.

But, Wilde noted,Ā this film is hardly the first to be plagued by certain age-old assumptions.

She told Vanity Fair that people rarely start with positive expectations for women in positions of authority. They often donā€™t give us the benefit of the doubt. She praised Florence, saying she did her job exceptionally well and exceeded all expectations, making their collaboration a great experience. It’s particularly ironic, she noted, that this situation is happening now as she releases her second filmā€”a story about womenā€™s strength when they work together and how easily a woman can lose power if other women are used to criticize or humiliate her.

Addressing one last upsetting claim ā€“ the suggestion that she was distracted on set ā€“ Olivia Wilde said the idea is ridiculous. She explained she consistently arrived before anyone else and stayed after everyone left, finding the work immersive and generally enjoyable despite its demands. It wasn’t unpleasant, just completely all-consuming.

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2026-06-17 17:22