Florence Pugh commands the carpet in a dramatic black ruffled gown for East of Eden screening after speaking out on 'difficulties' with Olivia Wilde on Don't Worry Darling set

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She may be playing an antihero in Netflix's take on the classic novel, but Florence Pugh ensured she commanded the carpet while attending the screening of her new series East of Eden.

The star, 30, has taken on the role of the complex Cathy Ames in the seven-part adaptation of John Steinbeck's book.

Florence cut a dramatic figure as she arrived for the screening in a black ruffled gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a touch of colour from a ruby red necklace from jewellery brand Bulgari.

The Little Women star was joined by co-stars Tom Sweet and Mike Faist for the screening at BAFTA in London, ahead of the series' release on Netflix on October 1.

Set in the farmlands of California's Salinas Valley in the early 20th century, East of Eden follows successive generations of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, whose lives become deeply intertwined.

Florence takes on the role of Cathy, a deeply manipulative figure who shuns the expectations of women at the time by rejecting her role as a wife and mother to flee her husband and begin work in a brothel.

She may be playing an antihero in Netflix's take on the classic novel, but Florence Pugh ensured she commanded the carpet while attending the screening of her series East of Eden

The star has taken on the role of the complex Cathy Ames in the seven-part adaptation of Josh Steinbeck's book

While promoting her work in the series, Florence also addressed claims of on-set tensions between her and director Olivia Wilde while they were filming Don't Worry Darling.

Since the film's press tour and release in 2022, claims have swirled of a rift between the two stars, which was reported to have begun as a result of the film-maker's relationship with Harry Styles.

Olivia, 42, has previously denied accusations that she and Florence got into a 'screaming match' on the set, and Florence herself spoke about the 'difficulties' in an interview with Vanity Fair.

The actress said: '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,' before being asked whether she's seen Olivia's new film The Invite, which has been praised by critics.

She added: 'I haven't, but I've heard it's fantastic, and a great cast. Great cast.'

Later in the interview, Florence appeared to allude to the tension claims by noting she wouldn't want her set to be 'messy' if she were to direct a film in the future.

She added: 'I don't like messy sets. 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.' 

Florence cut a dramatic figure as she arrived for the screening in a black ruffled gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a touch of colour from a ruby red necklace

Set in the farmlands of California's Salinas Valley in the early 20th century, East of Eden follows successive generations of two families

Florence takes on the role of Cathy, a deeply manipulative figure who shuns the expectations of women at the time by rejecting her role as a wife and mother

While promoting her work in the series, Florence also addressed claims of on-set tensions between her and director Olivia Wilde while they were filming Don't Worry Darling

The actress said: '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' 

On the red carpet, Florence was joined by Zoe Kazan, who created the series

She and Zoe were in high spirits as they reunited on the red carpet

Zoe channelled the series' dark themes by arriving on the red carpet in a black feathered gown

Mike Faist, who plays Charles Trask in the series, was also in attendance for the premiere

East of Eden will be released on Netflix on October 1

Olivia previously spoke about claims of a rift between her and Florence back in June, denying the claims that she screamed at her on the Don't Worry Darling set.

At the time, Olivia and Florence's feud was reported to have begun as a result of the film-maker's relationship with Harry – with Florence allegedly upset her director was hooking up with the singer when she was still engaged to Jason Sudeikis. 

Olivia specifically denied a claim she and Florence got into a 'screaming match' on the set of the film, a movie about women who were unknowingly made to become Fifties housewives at the behest of their boyfriends. 

'I have never had a screaming match on my set. I was never not available on set. I wanted to be like, 'None of this is true,'' she told the publication. 

The relationship – which Olivia called 'loving and wonderful and joyful' – lasted for nearly two years. 

Olivia, who directed the movie, claimed she was advised against speaking up about the speculation by the studio and other parties – a request she acquiesced to but now regrets. 

'I was told, "Don't say a f**king word. Just go out there and smile,"' Olivia, shaking her head, told The Cut. 'I resent that, but it taught me it's not the way I want to handle things.'

At the time, a report in Page Six claimed Florence took issue with Olivia for supposedly taking up with Harry while still engaged to her ex Jason.

The apparent feud intensified when Olivia referred to Florence as 'Miss Flo' and said she needed a 'wake-up call' during the rehearsal period of the movie, in a video to actor Shia LaBeouf that was leaked.

At the time, Vulture reported that the director and her star got into a 'screaming match' with one another while filming the movie, as the director would often disappear with Harry. 

'Olivia and Harry would just disappear,' an insider claimed to the outlet.

According to an unnamed insider on the movie, Florence and Olivia came to blows over her 'frequent, unexplained absences', on set which resulted in a 'screaming match' between the two women.

Olivia did praise Florence when asked about the feud during a press conference for the film at the Venice Film Festival, which was not attended by Florence due to previous filming obligations. 

'Can you just clear the air and address whether there has been a falling-out there and if so why, because it's something that people are discussing?' the reporter asked.

Olivia responded: 'Florence is a force and we are so grateful that she is able to make it tonight despite being in production on Dune.'

'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.' 

She continued: 'I can't say enough how honoured I am to have her as our lead. She's amazing in the film and, as for all the endless tabloid gossip and all the noise out there, I mean, the internet feeds itself. I don't feel the need to contribute, I think it's sufficiently well nourished.'

In addition, a total of 40 individuals who worked on the movie, including producer Miri Yoon, came forward to release a joint statement obtained by the Daily Mail after the movie came out, in an attempt to 'correct' the 'absurd' and 'completely false' claims that were made about the set.

'As a crew, we've avoided addressing the absurd gossip surrounding the movie we're so proud of, but feel the need to correct the anonymous "sources" quoted in a recent article,' the statement began.

'Any allegations about unprofessional behavior on the set are completely false. 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.'

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