Okay, if you have not been keeping up with the insane amounts of drama regarding the upcoming film Don’t Worry Darling starring Olivia Wilde, Chris Pine, Harry Styles, Sydney Chandler, Nick Kroll, Gemma Chan, and Florence Pugh, I’m going to need you to buckle up.
In the weeks leading up to the Venice Film Festival, drama has been brewing among current and former costars, leading to one very tense press day in Italy.
In case you missed the memo, actress turned director Olivia Wilde’s new film “Don’t Worry Darling” (which stars Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, Gemma Chan, and Chris Pine, among others) takes place in a dystopian 1950s-themed private community.
The film was already gaining momentum thanks to its all-star cast, however, the drama that’s unfolded in the past few weeks has really skyrocketed this movie into the spotlight.
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The drama first began when it was reported that Florence, an established Hollywood actress, was being paid significantly less than her co-star, singer Harry Styles, who is dating Olivia.
Showbiz Galore claimed that Florence was paid $700,00, while Harry’s check was allegedly a whopping $2.5 million. To be fair, these accusations seemingly came out of thin air, and Olivia was quick to shut them down.
“There has been a lot out there that I largely don’t pay attention to,” the director told Variety in response. “But the absurdity of invented clickbait and subsequent reaction regarding a nonexistent pay disparity between our lead and supporting actors really upset me.”
“I’m a woman who has been in this business for over 20 years, and it’s something that I have fought for myself and others, especially being a director. There is absolutely no validity to those claims.”
In that same interview, the 38-year-old said she fired controversial actor Shia LaBeouf to maintain a peaceful environment on set. Harry Styles would go on to take his place.
“His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions. 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 performance,” she explained to the publication.
“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. That was my job.”
This is where the plot thickens.
In response to Olivia’s story, 36-year-old LaBeouf responded directly to Variety, claiming he “quit the film due to lack of rehearsal time.” But that wasn’t all.
The Even Stevens alum sent the publication the email he sent to Olivia in response to the article.
Variety published the full email, in which the actor wrote: “You and I both know the reasons for my exit. I quit your film because your actors and I couldn’t find time to rehearse.”
Shia also provided past text messages and a video that Olivia allegedly sent the actor two days after he said he quit the film back in August 2020. In the video, Olivia is essentially begging the actor to stay on.
“I feel like I’m not ready to give up on this yet, and I too am heartbroken and I want to figure this out,” Olivia says, in the video, as per Variety .
“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?”
Understandably, this video sent fans spirialling.
As a result, all eyes were on the cast of Don’t Worry Darling at the Venice Film Festival on Monday.
In particular, a video that SEEMINGLY shows some sort of awkward altercation between Harry Styles and costar Chris Pine is blowing up the internet.
To be more specific, fans believe Harry allegedly spit on Chris while taking a seat beside him.
As you can see, Chris goes from clapping and smiling to totally shutting down and bowing his head.
I mean, if that’s what happened, it’s a very gutsy move and seemingly unlike Harry.
PLUS, who could ever be that mad at the BEST Chris in Hollywood?
However, it could have been something else. Maybe Chris dropped his glasses. Maybe Harry spat by accident. We may NEVER KNOW!
But, what we do know is that fans are convinced it happened, and it’s enough drama for me to enjoy for a few days so I’m more than content.