Florence Pugh recalls that ‘Indie Film World’ was ‘pissed’ about joining the MCU
Florence Pugh didn’t need superpowers to realize she was being judged for joining the MCU.
The Oscar-nominated actress, who has landed lead roles in independent films like ‘Lady Macbeth’ and ‘Midsommar,’ recalled the reaction to her acting in 2021 Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’ alongside Scarlett Johansson and David harbour. Pugh went on to appear in the Disney+ Marvel series “Hawkeye” and will lead the upcoming MCU film “Thunderbolts.”
“So many people in the independent film world were really pissed at me. They were like, ‘Great, now she’s gone for good,’” Pugh said Time magazine. “And I’m like, no, I’m working as hard as I used to work. I’ve always done back-to-back movies. It’s just that people are watching them now. You just need to be a little more organized with your schedule.
Among his Marvel appearances, Pugh directed the Netflix film “The Wonder” and Zach Braff’s independent film “A Good Person.” And the overlaps with Pugh’s performances and Marvel deepen: Pugh’s “Don’t Worry Darling” director Olivia Wilde is set to direct an untitled Sony/Marvel film.
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Meanwhile, Pugh will appear in this year’s “Oppenheimer” and “Dune: Part Two,” which are already receiving Oscar buzz ahead of their respective July and November premieres. Pugh praised “Dune” author Denis Villeneuve in his Time profile, calling him a “quirky, crazy, creative genius.”
He was previously thrilled to work with Christopher Nolan on the star-studded period piece “Oppenheimer,” saying the film was “arguably one of the most thrilling experiences” of his career.
“His dedication to the art of cinema and old cinema is just magical to watch,” Pugh told BBC Radio 1 of working with Nolan. “Watching every single crew member on that set work so hard for him, to get his approval. And not in a weird way, but as if everyone knows who they’re working for and everyone is proud to be there. Everyone takes so much pride in their work and so what that does is everyone is constantly trying to be better the next day. And I’ve never seen that feeling on set before. It’s very exciting.”
Next, Pugh will helm Alexander Skarsgård’s directorial debut “The Pack,” produce the novel adaptation of “The Maid,” and co-direct a remake of “East of Eden” with Zoe Kazan for Netflix. Pugh also made headlines for his upcoming role in the A24 novel ‘We Live in Time’ alongside fellow Oscar-nominated actor Andrew Garfield.