Harry Styles to Replace Shia LaBeouf in Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling

September 11, 2020

According to Deadline, award-winning singer-songwriter Harry Styles has officially signed on for one of the leading roles in actress-director Olivia Wilde’s forthcoming period thriller film Don’t Worry, Darling. The “Adore You” singer will be replacing Honey Boy star Shia LaBeouf, who has decided to exit the project because of scheduling conflicts. This marks Styles’ second high profile project after over three years since his appearance in Christopher Nolan’s 2017 war film Dunkirk.

Originally written by Carey and Shane Van Dyke, Don’t Worry, Darling is a psychological thriller about a 1950’s housewife who uncovers a disturbing truth to her perfect life. It’s also described as a pertinent story for the Time’s Up era and Wilde’s producing and writing collaborator Katie Silberman will rewrite the script and produce the film alongside Wilde and Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee.

The film will also star Oscar nominee Florence Pugh (Midsommar), Chris Pine (Star Trek, Wonder Woman), and Wilde in a key supporting role. Dakota Johnson (Peanut Butter Falcon) was previously in talks to join the film.

New Line Cinema was eager to work with Wilde following her directorial debut Booksmart. Wilde will also star in and produce the film, alongside Silbermann and Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment. The film will also be executive produced by Catherine Hardwicke, Shane Van Dyke and Carey Van Dyke with Daria Cercek and Celia Khong set to oversee the project on behalf of New Line.

Part of the deal includes an asking budget around $20 million, fees for acting, directing, for Silberman’s rewrite, and the “rare” backend. The outlet reports that the filmmakers and producers of Don’t Worry, Darling stand to receive 50 percent in profit participation once the movie breaks even. The last time a deal was made like this was between Warner Bros. and Todd Phillips’ The Hangover.

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)