Florence Pugh Addresses 'Don't Worry Darling' On-Set Tensions

Florence Pugh has addressed the swirling rumors of on-set tensions with director Olivia Wilde during the filming of their 2022 movie "Don't Worry Darling." In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Pugh commented on the "difficulties" and the speculation that has surrounded the film since its release.

Claims of a rift between Pugh and Wilde first surfaced during the film's press tour, with reports suggesting the friction stemmed from Wilde's relationship with lead actor Harry Styles. Wilde has previously denied accusations that she and Pugh were involved in a "screaming match" on set. Pugh, when asked about the alleged feud, told Vanity Fair, "Oh, no. I feel like there's so much stuff we've covered that is important for me and on track with my life and my career."

Pugh further elaborated on her perspective of a functional film set, suggesting that she would not want a "messy" environment if she were to direct. "I don't like messy sets," she stated. "I want people to come to work and work, and enjoy that it's a luxury to do this. When moods change on set, it's because someone is preventing that from happening, and that's what makes people feel like they haven't been cared for."

This interview marks a rare occasion where Pugh has directly, albeit briefly, acknowledged the ongoing speculation. Wilde, in previous statements, had vehemently denied the "screaming match" claims and expressed frustration with the studio advising her against addressing the rumors directly. "I was told, 'Don't say a f[censor]ing word. Just go out there and smile,'" Wilde recounted, adding that she regretted not handling the situation differently.

Reports from publications like Page Six and Vulture suggested that Pugh was initially upset about Wilde's relationship with Styles while Wilde was still engaged to Jason Sudeikis. Leaked communications, including a video from Wilde to actor Shia LaBeouf, appeared to reference Pugh, with Wilde reportedly suggesting Pugh needed a "wake-up call." Insiders also claimed that Pugh and Wilde had come to blows over Wilde's "frequent, unexplained absences" from set while with Styles.

Despite the persistent rumors, Wilde publicly praised Pugh at the Venice Film Festival press conference for "Don't Worry Darling," stating, "Florence is a force and we are so grateful that she is able to make it tonight despite being in production on Dune." She added, "I know as a director how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day so I'm very grateful to her and Denis Villeneuve for helping us – we're really thrilled we'll get to celebrate her work tonight."

Following the film's release, a joint statement from 40 individuals who worked on "Don't Worry Darling," including producer Miri Yoon, was released to refute "absurd" and "completely false" claims about unprofessional behavior on set. The statement asserted, "Olivia is an incredible leader and director who was present with and involved in every aspect of production. She ran this set with class and respect for everyone involved. There was never a screaming match between our director and anyone, let alone a member of our cast."

Wilde and Styles have since separated. The reasons cited for their split included the pressures of Styles's global touring schedule and Wilde's focus on her children in Los Angeles, with whom she shares custody with ex-partner Jason Sudeikis.