Shia LaBeouf is adamant that he was not fired from Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling
Along with a series of texts, LaBeouf shares his side of the story
As the drama around the production of Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling continues to mount, actor Shia LaBeouf has come forward with his own version of events regarding his departure from the film’s lead role.
In an email sent to a variety of publications, including The A.V. Club, LaBeouf writes, “I was never fired from Don’t Worry Darling. I quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time. The narrative circulating is false and traducing.”
He then attaches many forms of correspondence purportedly between the two, including texts and videos. In a lengthy email to Wilde, dated August 24, LaBeouf writes to the director, “What inspired this email today is your latest Variety story. I am greatly honored by your words on my work; thank you, that felt good to read. I am a little confused about the narrative that I was fired, however. You and I both know the reasons for my exit. I quit your film because your actors & I couldn’t find time to rehearse.”
According to Variety, several sources at the studio affirmed LaBeouf was fired from the project back in 2020 (and was later replaced with Harry Styles). However, LaBeouf shares text messages purportedly sent between him and Wilde, which details a mutual understanding regarding the actor’s exit, with him initiating the exit.
“I think I have to back out of the show. I’m sorry,” LaBeouf tells Wilde on August 16, 2020. The two then met the next day to discuss LaBeouf’s immersive acting methods and his thought process behind leaving the project. LaBeouf claims he officially quit the project on August 17.
“Thanks for letting me in on your thought process. I know that isn’t fun,” Wilde texts him. “Doesn’t feel good to say no to someone, and I respect your honesty. I’m honored you were willing to go there with me, for me to tell a story with you. I’m gutted because it could have been something special. I want to make clear how much it means to me that you trust me. That’s a gift I’ll take with me.”
Two days later, Wilde apparently sent him a video saying she was “not ready to give up on this yet,” while alluding to on-set tension between him and fellow Don’t Worry Darling star, Florence Pugh.
“I too am heartbroken and I want to figure this out,” she says in the video. “You know, I think this might be a bit of a wake-up call for Miss Flo, and I want to know if you’re open to giving this a shot with me, with us. If she really commits, if she really puts her mind and heart into it at this point and if you guys can make peace—and I respect your point of view, I respect hers — but if you guys can do it, what do you think? Is there hope? Will you let me know?”
In the final text shared, Wilde writes to LaBeouf, “You don’t have to be in my movies but don’t ever doubt me. We pinky promised. That means something in my house.”