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Olivia Wilde has hit back at reports of a feud with her ‘sensational’ Don’t Worry Darling lead actress Florence Pugh.
The director, 38, spoke of the pair’s much-rumored feud on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday, stressing that she has “nothing but respect” for Florence, 26, despite being plagued by claims to the contrary.
Olivia gushed about Florence’s performance in the controversial film, suggesting being questioned about the feud being sexist because it’s not something her “male director colleagues answer.”
The actress also doubled down on claims that she fired former lead actor Shia LaBeouf, 36, insisting he gave her an “ultimatum” to choose between him and Florence: “I chose Florence.”
Film director: Olivia Wilde dismissed rumors of a feud with Florence Pugh as she addressed the drama surrounding Don’t Worry Darling on Wednesday’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
“People say you’re arguing with Florence Pugh. Do you want to say something to that?” Stephen asked her bluntly.
Olivia attributed it to “another weird rumor” surrounding the film, along with “spitgate” involving her boyfriend Harry Styles, 28, and Chris Pine, 42.
Stephen referred to his notes, which included the question, ‘Did Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine? Why or why not? Support your answer.’
A laughing Olivia said, “He didn’t, but I think it’s a perfect example of people seeking drama wherever they can.”
She finally added, “Harry didn’t actually spit on Chris,” while Stephen joked, “Time will tell.”
Leading lady: The 38-year-old director, while casually dressed in a white T-shirt and loose black trousers, was asked by 58-year-old Stephen about her relationship with her lead actress Florence, shown in a scene from Don’ t Worry Darling
“No, he really didn’t!” said Olivia, laughing.
She said the video was an example of people seeing what they want to see and described it as “clickbait.”
“So no tension between you and Florence Pugh?” Stephen continued.
Numerous rumours: Stephen referred to his notes, which included the question, ‘Did Harry Styles spit on Chris Pine? Why or why not? Support your answer’
“I have nothing but respect for Florence’s talent. She’s fantastic. She is now on the set of her movie Dune. There is nothing cooler than a busy actress. I have nothing against her for whatever reason,” Olivia said.
“People pointed out that she had an Aperol spritz at the press conference and didn’t show up,” Stephen said, referring to Florence skipping a press event at the Venice International Film Festival earlier this month.
“They’ve stated that,” Olivia agreed.
“I think what’s funny is that I don’t feel like my male director colleagues are answering questions about their cast,” Olivia said to the applause of the studio audience at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.
Double standard: “I think what’s funny is that I don’t feel like my male director colleagues are answering questions about their cast,” Olivia said to the applause of the studio audience at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.
Stephan agreed with her.
“These are not questions to ask a director. They should be talking about the movie itself,” he said, admitting that he gave in to the appetite by asking her about the rumours.
Olivia previously gushed about Florence’s performance in the film.
High praise: Olivia previously gushed about Florence’s performance in the film
“She’s sensational in this movie. And it’s about being brave enough to listen to the brave people who have come before her and who have ignored everyone else, and that she trusts her instincts,” Olivia said.
“And she’s the one brave enough to dismantle the system. She’s a superhero. And Florence Pugh is as good at dramatic work as she is in action. There are real action scenes in the movie. She has a run that I call her “Tom Cruise run.” It’s the most impressive run I’ve ever seen,” she added.
Olivia also cleared the air about her one-time Don’t Worry Darling co-star Shia LaBeouf, 36, who she claimed was dropped from the film, although the actor claims he quit.
Total transparency: Olivia also cleared the air about her one-time Don’t Worry Darling co-star Shia LaBeouf, 36, who she says was left out of the film, though the actor claims he quit
When asked if she fired Shia, Olivia said, “We had to replace Shia. He’s a fantastic actor, but it wouldn’t work. When he gave me the ultimatum of, you know, him or Florence, I chose Florence.’
She added: “He felt he was giving up and I felt we were moving on without him.”
When Stephen asked if he left in such a way that he could think he was quitting and she could think he was fired and they were both right, Olivia replied, “It’s a matter of semantics. It wouldn’t progress in the way he wanted, so he had to leave.’
Hollywood semantics: When Stephen asked if he was leaving in a way that he could think he’d quit and she could think he’d been fired and they were both right, Olivia replied, “It’s a matter of semantics. It didn’t go the way he wanted, so he had to leave.”
Olivia also revealed that her five-year-old daughter Daisy is playing her daughter in the film.
She also has an eight-year-old son Otis with her former fiancé Jason Sudeikis, 47.
Don’t Worry Darling is slated to release in US theaters on Friday.
Coming Soon: Don’t Worry Darling is slated for release in US theaters on Friday