Olivia Wilde is embracing provocative roles as a means of reclaiming her sexuality and self-worth following a period of significant personal upheaval, according to a source cited by the Daily Mail. This artistic direction comes amid a challenging personal time for the actress and director, a period marked by high-profile relationship endings and public scrutiny.
Wilde's personal life has seen considerable turbulence, including her separation from Jason Sudeikis, with whom she shares two children, and a subsequent two-year relationship with Harry Styles, who is a decade her junior. The aftermath of these relationships has been described as bruising.
Navigating Personal Challenges Through Art
A source told the Daily Mail that Wilde, 42, is navigating a challenging time and acknowledging the approach of what could be perceived as a midlife crisis. In response, she has taken on increasingly provocative roles, a path influenced by her family's emphasis on avoiding being perceived as 'boring.'
Her recent film, 'The Invite,' which Wilde directed and stars in, explores a relationship that delves into swinging. Another upcoming project, 'I Want Your Sex,' directed by Gregg Araki, features Wilde in the role of a dominatrix. The source indicated that these roles are therapeutic for Wilde, allowing her to explore sensuality and reaffirm her self-worth after her relationships ended.
Public Scrutiny and Past Relationships
The upheaval in Wilde's life began with her separation from Sudeikis after nearly a decade together. While they were engaged, they never married. Their separation became particularly acrimonious when legal papers were served to Wilde on stage in Las Vegas in April 2022, while she was promoting 'Don't Worry Darling.' Wilde described the incident as 'incredibly traumatizing.'
During the press tour for 'Don't Worry Darling,' Wilde addressed the departure of Shia LaBeouf, who was initially cast in the male lead role later taken by Harry Styles. Wilde stated LaBeouf's approach was 'combative,' while LaBeouf contended he left due to insufficient rehearsals. This situation, coupled with Wilde's subsequent public relationship with Styles, fueled rumors of on-set tension, particularly with co-star Florence Pugh.
Reclaiming Identity and Future Endeavors
After her relationship with Styles ended in November 2022, Wilde took time for herself, engaging in activities such as reading, journaling, and traveling. She told The Cut that she does not trust individuals who have not experienced heartbreak, suggesting that such experiences forge a stronger self.
Currently, Wilde is reportedly in a relationship with art world figure Caspar Jopling. Reflecting on her current state, she told The Cut, 'I'm in a really lovely relationship now. I adore him, and I feel completely whole and intact as a person.' She emphasized the importance of spending time alone to understand oneself.
Recently, Wilde has promoted 'The Invite' and 'I Want Your Sex,' both of which have been well-received. A photograph of Wilde that emerged in May, showing her looking notably thin, drew comparisons to the character Gollum and coincided with speculation about Harry Styles' engagement. Wilde and those close to her have dismissed these rumors.
The source indicated that Wilde's focus is on resurrecting her sense of self, with her film roles serving to make her 'feel sexier and that she's still got it.' This approach, the source added, has given her a new lease on life and emboldened her to tackle more provocative roles in the future, aiming to return to the person she believes she has always been.