Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde went through a highly publicized split six years ago, and new reports have now revealed just how much the split inspired critical moments in the entertainment industry.
The couple’s bitter dissolution reportedly served as a central reference point for an upcoming television project created and written by George Kay.
Sudeikis and Wilde were engaged for seven years until they eventually called it quits in 2020 and embarked on a high-profile custody battle for their children.
Sky’s upcoming eight-part divorce drama “War,” created and written by Kay, centers on the devastating split between tech mogul Morgan Henderson, played by Dominic West, and his movie star wife Carla Duval, played by Sienna Miller.
While Kay noted that the show remains an original story with fictional characters, he admitted to incorporating “little lifts off real life.” According to the Daily Mail, Miller acknowledged the real-world connection, saying, “It’s awful, and it’s based on a real-life event we’re all probably familiar with.”
The creative premise mirrors the breakup between Wilde and Sudeikis, who began dating in 2011, got engaged in 2013, and share two children, Otis and Daisy, before their split led to a protracted custody struggle.
“I think Carla probably thinks that (the divorce) will be a little bit messy, that she’ll get what she asks for. But at that moment, she decides that it’s too late,” Sienna said.
West added that while his character is initially stunned by the incident, it sets off an all-out confrontation, remarking that “what he does on the declares war.”
Notably, Sky has already renewed “War” for a second season, which will shift into an anthology format focused on a major defamation trial.
‘War’ Follows A High-Stakes Legal Drama Starring Sienna Miller And Dominic West
Besides the narrative ties to real-world celebrity breakups, the television series features an extensive ensemble cast alongside its lead stars, Miller and West.
Created by “Lupin” and “Hijack” writer George Kay, the upcoming drama depicts the intense conflict between rival London law firms Cathcarts & Sons and Taylor & Byrne as they battle over the high-profile divorce of tech entrepreneur Morgan Henderson and film star Carla Duval.
The series features Phoebe Fox and James McArdle as Taylor & Byrne partners Serena Byrne and Nicholas Taylor, alongside Nina Sosanya and Pip Torrens playing Cathcarts & Sons rivals Beatrice “Queen Bea” Ubosi and St John Smallwood, per Variety.
The series premieres October 1 on HBO before streaming on HBO Max, with its U.K. debut following on October 2 across Sky and NOW.
Olivia Wilde Previously Opened Up About The Turning Point That Marked The End Of Her Longtime Romance
While the television adaptation dramatizes high-stakes relationship breakdowns, Wilde herself has previously opened up about the exact personal moment that signaled the end of her real-life romance with Sudeikis.
During an appearance on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Wilde reflected on how personal relationship dynamics inspire her filmmaking. She pointed to the specific moment in March 2020 following her birthday party when she realized her engagement to Sudeikis was over.
They were driving home when she asked him if he had gotten her a birthday present, and he replied, “What would I get you, Olivia? I don’t know you,” as reported by The Blast.
The exchange made Wilde realize that she and her former partner were no longer on the same page.
The Actress Also Recalled The Traumatizing Onstage Incident
Adding to the emotional toll of the breakup, Wilde also experienced highly public legal disruptions as a result of the split.
According to The Blast, she spoke candidly about being served with custody documents on behalf of Sudeikis while presenting her movie “Don’t Worry Darling” at CinemaCon in 2022.
She described the moment as incredibly traumatizing” and noted that she managed to maintain her composure on stage before breaking down in private.
Jason Sudeikis Opened Up About Dating As An Older Parent
Just as Wilde has struggled to pick up the pieces of her life following the devastating breakup, Sudeikis has also had his fair share of troubles. He recently shared his perspective on navigating single life after ending his long engagement to Wilde.
The Blast reported that the 50-year-old “Ted Lasso” star discussed the realities of stepping back into the social scene as a single father.
When asked whether he was open to having more children in the future, Sudeikis confirmed he would be open to expanding his family if he fell in love again. However, he shared that his head was in a different place and jumping back into the dating pool seemed overwhelming.
