Just yesterday we shared the story about the turbulent pre-production process of ‘Don’t worry dear’, the new film by Olivia Wilde starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles. According to the director, she adhered to what she called a “No Asshole Policy” to fire Shia LaBeouf, who was to have shared the lead with the British actress in the psychological thriller.
As Wilde told Variety, was forced to do without the controversial actor to “make Florence feel safe and supported [Pugh]”stating that LaBeaouf “tIt has a process that, in a way, seems to require combative energy, and I personally don’t think that makes for better performances.”
The other side of the coin
Well, today an email has come to light in which Shia LaBeouf himself, with a peaceful and friendly tone, denies that he was fired from the production; arguing that he was the one who voluntarily abandoned ‘Don’t worry dear’ on August 17, 2020 due to conflicts with other cast members regarding test times.
“What inspired this email today is your latest story in Variety. I am greatly honored by your words about my work; thank you, it was very nice for me. However, I am a little confused about the narrative that I was fired. You and I know the reasons for my departure. I left your film because your actors and I couldn’t find time to rehearse. I have included screenshots of our messages from that day as a reminder.”
LaBeouf continues with a dart less poisoned than might be expected.
“I know you are starting the promotion for ‘Don’t worry dear’ and the news of my firing is very attractive clickbait as I am still a persona non grata and may remain so for the rest of my life.
The actor, who claims to have been sober for 627 days, “humbly asks” in his brief that Wilde tell the truthwhile wishing the filmmaker success with her new project.
“My firing never happened, Olivia. And while I fully understand the appeal of launching that story because of the current social scene, because of its popularity on a social level, it’s not the truth. So I humbly ask, as a person with a view to making things right, that you correct that story to the best of your ability. I hope that none of this affects you negatively, and that your film is successful in all the ways you want it to be.
“A Wake-up Call for Miss Flo”
Along with email, according to IndieWire account Shia LaBeouf has shared screenshots of some messages, allegedly sent by Olivia Wilde the night before the interpreter left the feature film.
“Thank you for letting me into your thought process. I know it’s not fun. It doesn’t feel good to say no to someone, and I respect your honesty. I am honored that you were willing to go there with me, so that I could tell a story with you. I’m devastated because it could have been something special. I want to make it clear how much it means to me that you trust me. It is a gift that I will take with me.”
In addition, she has also attached a video that Olivia Wilde sent her while she was driving her car, in which the director says that her threat to quit the role could be “a wake-up call for Miss Flo”referring to Florence Pugh.
“I feel like I’m not ready to give up on this, and I’m devastated too, and I want to work it out. You know, I think this might be a wake-up call for Miss Flo, and I’d like to know if you’re open to giving this a shot with me, with us. If she really commits, if she puts her mind and her heart into it at this point and if you can make amends – I respect your point of view and I respect hers – but if you could do it, what do you think? There is hope? Will you tell me?”.
Finally, you can read another message from Wilde sent between the 16th and the 20th of August.
“You don’t have to be in my movies, but never doubt me. We made a pinky promise. That means something in my house.”
With all the data and both sides of the story on the table, it’s our turn to draw conclusions.