Olivia Wilde wants people to know the truth about her past relationship with Jason Sudeikis and her current one with Harry Styles. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the actress and director made it clear that she did not leave Sudeikis for Styles. She said their relationship ended long before she started dating the singer.
Wilde explained, “The idea that I left Jason for Harry is completely wrong. Our relationship was over before I met Harry. Like any breakup, it didn’t happen suddenly.”
Rumors began when Sudeikis told GQ last year that he and Wilde split in November 2020. Shortly after, in January 2021, Wilde was seen holding hands with Styles. This led some to believe she ended things with Sudeikis for Styles.
But Wilde said the truth is different. She and Sudeikis actually broke up earlier, around the start of the pandemic in 2020. “Jason and I had a difficult time, and we officially ended our relationship at the beginning of the pandemic,” she shared.
The two continued to co-parent their two children, Otis and Daisy, during lockdown. Wilde said, “We realized living together wasn’t helping the kids. It was better for us to live apart so we could be better parents as friends.”
She also talked about the challenges of co-parenting during such a stressful time. “Raising kids during a pandemic was hard, but we worked together to make it work,” Wilde said.
Addressing Rumors About Florence Pugh
Wilde also spoke about rumors that she and Florence Pugh, the star of her film Don’t Worry Darling, don’t get along. Some people noticed that the two seemed distant at the Venice Film Festival.
Wilde said, “People often assume the worst about women in charge. They don’t give us the benefit of the doubt. Florence did an amazing job in the film. She impressed me every day, and we worked well together.”
She added, “Florence is one of the most sought-after actresses right now. She’s busy filming Dune. Some fans expect her to post more on social media, but I hired her to act, not to post. She did everything I asked for, and that’s what matters to me.”
The Challenges of Directing and Public Scrutiny
Wilde also opened up about the pressures of directing her second film, Don’t Worry Darling. She said, “Making a movie is hard work. There are always challenges, but I’m proud of what we made.”
She talked about how much effort went into the film. “Every detail mattered to me. I wanted to make something special, and I think we did that,” Wilde said.
The director also addressed the rumors and gossip that surrounded the film. “It’s frustrating when people focus on drama instead of the work. This movie was made with a lot of love and hard work,” she said.
Working with Harry Styles
Wilde also spoke briefly about working with her boyfriend, Harry Styles, on the film. She said, “Harry was great to work with. He’s a talented actor, and he took the role seriously.”
She dismissed any talk that he was cast for the wrong reasons. “I cast Harry because he was right for the part. He brought something special to the film,” Wilde said.
Wilde said she is focused on her career and her children. “Right now, I’m just taking things one day at a time. I want to keep making films and being a good mom,” she said.
She also talked about the importance of ignoring negativity. “You can’t let rumors get to you. I try to stay focused on what’s real—my work and my family,” Wilde said.
Wilde ended the interview by thanking her fans for their support. “I’m grateful for the people who believe in me and my work. That’s what keeps me going,” she said.
She also encouraged people to see Don’t Worry Darling for themselves. “I hope people watch the movie and judge it on its own merits. That’s all any filmmaker wants,” Wilde said.
Wilde also took time to discuss how social media has changed the way people perceive celebrities and their relationships. “Everything gets blown out of proportion online,” she said. “A simple photo or comment can turn into a whole story that isn’t true.”
She explained that this makes it harder for people in the public eye to have normal relationships. “You want to share things with fans, but then you realize anything you say or do can be taken the wrong way,” Wilde added.
The director spoke about how she handles criticism and negative comments. “I’ve learned to focus on the work, not the noise around it,” she said. “When you’re creating something, you have to block out the distractions.”
Wilde said this is especially important for women in Hollywood. “There’s always extra scrutiny when you’re a woman directing films. People question your choices more,” she noted.
Regarding her children, Wilde shared how she protects them from media attention. “My kids come first,” she said firmly. “I make sure they have as normal a childhood as possible.” She talked about balancing work and family life. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. I want my kids to see me working hard at something I love,” Wilde explained.
The conversation turned to future projects, with Wilde hinting at new directing opportunities. “I’m always looking for stories that challenge me,” she said.
“There are a few things in development that I’m excited about.” However, she didn’t reveal specific details. “Right now my focus is on Don’t Worry Darling reaching audiences,” Wilde added.
She also addressed the recent attention on her fashion choices at events. “Clothes should be fun,” Wilde said with a smile. “I don’t take it too seriously. It’s about feeling confident and comfortable.”
The director admitted she enjoys collaborating with designers but keeps the process lighthearted. “At the end of the day, what matters is the work, not what you’re wearing,” she concluded.
Wilde emphasized that honesty matters most in her work and personal life. “Being true to yourself is the only way forward,” she said. “Everything else just falls into place when you stay genuine.”
