Florence Pugh, the talented actress known for her powerful performances, recently shared how she feels a lot of pressure taking on the role of Yelena Belova in Marvel’s upcoming movie Thunderbolts. At a special screening event in London, the 29-year-old star opened up about the challenges of stepping into a character that fans already love and have strong opinions about.
She told reporters, “There’s a lot of pressure, a lot of pressure when you’re doing any Marvel creation. I think what you have to balance and understand is that the character you’re playing has been loved by people before you even stepped into those shoes. And even if Marvel had given you the opportunity to give it a go, people will have their own preconceived ideas of what they want that character to be.”
Pugh explained that playing a beloved character in a huge franchise like Marvel is not an easy task. Fans already have expectations, and meeting them can be tough. She said, “So it’s a huge responsibility, and it’s not something that should be taken lightly, and it’s not something that you should just expect people to like, and that’s part of the challenge and part of the joy of being a part of something so mega.”
Despite the pressure, Pugh feels grateful for the opportunity. She mentioned how Marvel trusted her with the role not just once but twice—first in Black Widow (2021) and now in Thunderbolts. She shared, “I’m so grateful that those at Marvel wanted to give me a movie and wanted to give me a second chance. They wanted to give me another chance, they wanted to see where Yelena went.”
Pugh also praised the director, Jake Schreier, for making a superhero movie that feels different from the usual ones. Instead of focusing only on superpowers, Thunderbolts explores deeper themes like mental health and personal struggles. She said, “I’m also so impressed that they’ve wanted to make this kind of movie with this kind of story, with the story that Jake has really championed. It’s not an easy superhero movie, it’s not a movie about talents that you can’t see yourself in, it’s actually about flaws that everybody can see themselves in, and it’s humongously brave.”
The actress also reflected on her first Marvel experience working with Scarlett Johansson, who played Black Widow. She admired how Johansson brought attention to important topics like women’s roles in society. Now, with Thunderbolts, Pugh is excited to be part of a story that talks about mental health. She explained, “I’m just very, very lucky that my first experience was with Scarlett Johansson, who wants to talk about women and the behaviour of people around women in the world. And on my second movie, it’s about mental health and the behaviour of how we accept people with mental health.”
In Thunderbolts, Pugh’s character, Yelena Belova, will team up with other antiheroes like Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker. The movie will follow them on a dangerous mission that forces Yelena to face her past. Fans are excited to see how her character grows in this new adventure.
Florence Pugh’s honesty about the challenges of playing Yelena makes her even more relatable. She doesn’t pretend that it’s easy to step into such a big role, but she embraces the challenge with gratitude and excitement. Her dedication to bringing depth to her character shows why she’s one of the most respected young actresses in Hollywood today.
As the release of Thunderbolts gets closer, fans can’t wait to see how Pugh’s performance will bring Yelena Belova to life once again. With her talent and passion, there’s no doubt she’ll make the character even more memorable.
Pugh’s journey in the Marvel universe has been incredible so far, and Thunderbolts promises to take her character to new heights. The film is set to hit theaters in 2025, and audiences are eager to see this fresh take on superhero storytelling.
For now, Florence Pugh continues to inspire with her hard work and dedication. Whether it’s in big blockbuster movies or smaller indie films, she always brings her best to every role. And with Thunderbolts, she’s ready to prove once again why she’s one of the brightest stars in Hollywood.
The pressure may be high, but if anyone can handle it, it’s Florence Pugh. Her love for acting and her respect for the characters she plays shine through in every performance. And that’s exactly why fans and critics alike can’t wait to see what she does next.
As she prepares for the release of Thunderbolts, Pugh remains focused on telling meaningful stories through her work. Whether it’s action-packed superhero films or emotional dramas, she always finds a way to connect with the audience. And that’s what makes her such a special actress.
With her talent, humility, and dedication, Florence Pugh is definitely a star to watch. And Thunderbolts is just the next step in what promises to be an amazing career. Fans everywhere are rooting for her, and there’s no doubt she’ll make them proud once again.
The excitement for Thunderbolts is building, and Florence Pugh’s performance as Yelena Belova is one of the biggest reasons why. Her ability to bring heart and depth to her characters makes her stand out in the world of superhero movies. And with this new film, she’s ready to take her place as one of Marvel’s most compelling heroes.
As the movie’s release date approaches, fans can look forward to more updates, trailers, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. One thing is certain—Florence Pugh is giving her all to this role, and it’s going to be something truly special.
So mark your calendars for 2025, because Thunderbolts is set to be one of the most exciting Marvel movies yet. And with Florence Pugh leading the way, it’s sure to be an unforgettable ride.