Florence Pugh, the acclaimed star of the upcoming Marvel blockbuster Thunderbolts, is making headlines not just for her role as Yelena Belova, but also for her candid remarks about the pressures of Hollywood. In a recent interview with Who What Wear, she expressed her frustration over the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on actresses, stating, "It's so st. It's not the same thing. I had this conversation recently with a friend. It's just mental that red carpets are even an expectancy of someone that is not… That's not even their job… [Actresses] don't model." Pugh's comments resonate deeply in an industry where appearance often overshadows talent.
Amidst her promotion for Thunderbolts, which opens in theaters on May 2, 2025, Pugh has been busy making a fashion statement in New York City. On May 1, she showcased five stunning designer outfits styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, sticking to a chic black-and-white color scheme. Her day began on Good Morning America, where she wore a vintage skirt suit from the Thierry Mugler Spring 1991 collection, complete with silver metal brackets that echoed the film's title.
Later, during her appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark, Pugh switched to a striking Altuzarra maxi dress in black, which featured a tiered skirt and scalloped hems. The actress continued to impress with a white top and matching bubble skirt, accessorized with cat-eye sunglasses from Jimmy Choo. Pugh's final looks included a mirror-disc minidress paired with black platform boots from Marc Jacobs, and a custom black leather halter dress from Loewe at a screening hosted by Walt Disney Studios and The Cinema Society.
While Pugh dazzled on the red carpet, she also tackled the physical challenges of her role. In the film's opening sequence, she performs a BASE jump off the Merdeka 118, the second-tallest building in the world, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. "I didn’t tell people the day that it was happening. I didn't want people to be worrying because obviously, you know, I knew that we were going to be doing it as safe as possible," Pugh explained in an interview with IGN. Only her sister and best friend were aware of the jump's timing, as they were present to witness the stunt.
Pugh described the experience as exhilarating yet terrifying. "The moment I jumped, every time, my brain went, ‘Oh, well, you fked it. You’re gonna die,'" she recalled. Over two days, she completed around nine jumps, falling approximately six meters (19.6 feet) each time. Despite the fear, she embraced the challenge, stating, "I loved the experience, which I had actively begged Marvel bosses to let me do myself."
Furthermore, Pugh has been vocal about body image issues in Hollywood. In a previous interview with The Times, she reflected on feeling unrepresented in the industry and the harsh criticism directed at actresses regarding their bodies. "Look, not everybody has legs that go on for days," she stated, recalling how she watched women being body-shamed for their appearances. "I wanted to challenge how women were perceived, how we are supposed to look," she added, emphasizing her commitment to changing the narrative for young women entering the industry.
During the press tour for Thunderbolts, Pugh's fashion choices have drawn attention for their boldness and risk-taking. She mentioned, "I don’t really like being too comfortable for too long. I like things being a little bit scary. I like knowing that I don’t know if I can do it." This adventurous spirit translates not only to her wardrobe but also to her performances, as she embodies the fierce and complex character of Yelena Belova.
The actress's recent appearances have included a special screening of Thunderbolts in New York City, where she wore a daring backless leather dress that highlighted her fearless approach to fashion. Alongside her castmates, including Lewis Pullman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pugh engaged with fans and the media, further solidifying her status as a rising icon in both film and fashion.
As the release date for Thunderbolts approaches, Pugh continues to break boundaries both on and off-screen. Her dedication to portraying a multifaceted character and her willingness to speak out against industry norms make her a compelling figure in contemporary cinema. With her talent and advocacy, Florence Pugh is not just a star; she is a role model for many.
In a world where actresses often face scrutiny for their looks rather than their skills, Pugh's message is clear: talent should take precedence over appearance. As she prepares to leap into theaters with Thunderbolts, audiences can expect not just a thrilling performance, but also a powerful statement about the realities of being a woman in Hollywood.
