Olivia Wilde Addresses 'Don't Worry Darling' Set Rumors
Olivia Wilde has come forward to address the persistent rumors surrounding the production of her 2022 psychological thriller, 'Don't Worry Darling.' She firmly denied reports of a heated argument with lead actress Florence Pugh and rejected the suggestion that she was frequently absent from set. Wilde expressed her regret over maintaining silence during the film's tumultuous press period, revealing that she was instructed to avoid public commentary on the alleged discord. This clarification sheds light on the challenges faced during the movie's rollout, which was marred by intense media scrutiny and speculation regarding cast relationships.
The controversy surrounding 'Don't Worry Darling' escalated just before its theatrical release in September 2022, fueled by a Vulture report detailing a supposed 'blowout argument' between Pugh and Wilde. The report suggested that Pugh was frustrated with Wilde's alleged frequent disappearances from set, particularly in light of Wilde's blossoming romance with co-star Harry Styles. It was also rumored that Pugh had approached New Line Cinema's then-chairman, Toby Emmerich, to minimize her involvement in the film's promotional activities. These allegations painted a picture of a troubled production, generating significant public interest and concern.
In a recent interview, Wilde directly confronted these claims, stating, "I've never had a screaming match on my set. I was never not available on set. I wanted to be like, 'None of this is true.'" She elaborated on the studio's directive to remain silent, recalling being told, "Don't say a f---ing word. Just go out there and smile." Wilde admitted that she resents this advice, as it conflicted with her desire to address the inaccuracies directly. She likened the experience to Jennifer Garner's observation about public perception, where individuals are cast into archetypal roles, with Wilde herself becoming the 'villain' in the media narrative.
Wilde had previously voiced her regret about her silence during the 'Don't Worry Darling' press tour on the podcast "Call Her Daddy." She explained feeling a profound disconnection from the person portrayed in the media, describing it as "complete fiction traded as fact." Despite her desire to correct the record and openly communicate with the public, she was advised against it, a decision she found incredibly difficult. Wilde felt a responsibility to the hundreds of individuals who worked on the film, and her inability to defend herself publicly, though frustrating, was ultimately intended to protect the project. She reflected that her attempt to appear strong and rise above the controversy may have inadvertently come across as insincere.
Throughout the period of intense speculation regarding on-set unprofessionalism, Olivia Wilde received staunch support from her crew. A collective of 40 crew members from 'Don't Worry Darling,' including producer Katie Silberman, cinematographer Matthew Libatique, and costume designer Arianne Phillips, issued a unified statement refuting the Vulture report of a screaming match between Wilde and Pugh. They commended Wilde as an "incredible leader and director who was present and involved with every aspect of production," emphasizing that all allegations of unprofessional conduct were "completely false." The crew asserted their willingness to publicly endorse their statement, having personally witnessed and benefited from the collaborative and secure environment Wilde fostered as a director.
