As a director, Olivia Wilde's top priority is the safety of her actors.
That's why when it became evident that original Don't Worry Darling leading man Shia LaBeouf could be a risk to on-set safety, she was quick to give the actor the boot.
While the studio cited scheduling differences as the reason LaBeouf exited the project in 2020, Wilde says it was a different story. "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 told Variety, speaking publicly about the decision for the first time. "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."
"A lot came to light after this happened that really troubled me, in terms of his behavior," Wilde continued; in the months following the actor's exit from the film, LaBeouf's ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs sued him for sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress. LaBeouf then split with his longtime agency, CAA, and entered inpatient treatment.
Wilde Wants Florence Pugh to Feel Safe and Comfortable in 'Very Vulnerable Situations'
While Wilde didn't divulge the specifics of the red flags LaBeouf raised for her, she felt he lacked the supportive energy to make Don't Worry Darling co-star Florence Pugh comfortable while filming vulnerable scenes.
"For our film, what we really needed was an energy that was incredibly supportive. Particularly with a movie like this, I knew that I was going to be asking Florence to be in very vulnerable situations, and my priority was making her feel safe and making her feel supported," Wilde said. The upcoming 1950s suburban thriller features some steamy scenes, including one between Pugh and Harry Styles that set the internet abuzz when the trailer premiered.
Styles, who joined the cast following LaBeouf's departure, had been Wilde's first choice for the leading role but initially declined due to conflicts with his world tour.
While Wilde wishes LaBeouf well in his future, she says she has no regrets about the decision. "I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment is the best way to get people to do their best work."
"Ultimately, my responsibility is to the production and to the cast to protect them," she added. "That was my job."