Don't Worry Darling has everything necessary to be a box office hit. The film features a talented director in Olivia Wilde, known worldwide for projects she's starred in, along with her directorial debut, Booksmart, which was well received. In addition, Florence Pugh, one of the biggest rising stars in Hollywood, would join Harry Styles on the project, all but guaranteeing a massive turnout during opening weekend. Don't Worry Darling still has the potential to captivate audiences across the world. However, the controversy surrounding the film's cast has given the movie a spotlight they never hoped for.

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Shia LaBeouf was initially set to co-star alongside Pugh. Still, after allegations surfaced surrounding his abuse toward musician FKA Twigs and problems with Pugh, Wilde claimed she sent the star packing. Earlier this month, LaBeouf disputed these claims, saying, "I quit your film," with text messages from the director to support his stance. However, after replacing LaBeouf with Harry Styles, rumors surrounding Wilde and the musician's relationship began to heat up following her separation from Jason Sudeikis. Meanwhile, a feud between Pugh and Wilde was taking place, as some fans noted Pugh's lack of social media postings regarding the film. In addition, the controversy surrounding the film's sex scenes and Wilde's attitude toward them helped fuel the fire of the tension between filmmaker and actress, and Pugh's late arrival and absence from the Venice Film Festival press conference left fans wondering what the situation was.

Wilde Dodges Questions Surrounding Pugh

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Fox

According to reports from the Independent, Olivia Wilde finally addressed the rumors surrounding Florence Pugh and Don't Worry Darling at the Venice Film Festival. Although she carefully chose her words, it seemed clear that some form of drama was happening behind the scenes.

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"Can you just clear the air and address whether there has been a falling out there and if so why, because it's something that people are discussing?" is one reporter's question to Wilde at the film's press conference. The director responds, saying, "I can't say how honored I am to have her as our lead."

"Florence is a force and we are so grateful that she is able to make it tonight despite being in production on Dune. I know as a director how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day so I'm very grateful to her and Denis Villeneuve for helping us - we're really thrilled we'll get to celebrate her work tonight. I can't say enough how honored I am to have her as our lead. She's amazing in the film and as for all the endless tabloid gossip and all the noise out there, I mean, the internet feeds itself. I don't feel the need to contribute, I think it's sufficiently well nourished."

Given Wilde's tight-lipped approach to the situation, fans may never know what went on behind the scenes of Don't Worry Darling. Pugh's absence from the press conference shouldn't stir too much drama, as a Variety report confirmed her flight from the set of Dune 2 wouldn't make it in time; however, she would walk the red carpet of the premiere.

Don't Worry Darling is set to release in theaters later this month, on Sept. 23. Following the release, the truth of the behind-the-scenes drama and feuds may finally come to light.