Florence Pugh, recognized for her compelling performances in dramas and thrillers, recently spoke about her Florence Pugh career regrets during an episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast. Reflecting on her early work, Pugh admitted that her involvement in a particular Netflix film is something she wishes she could undo, highlighting the challenging decisions young actors can face.
The Netflix Horror Project That Pugh Wishes She Could Forget
The actress candidly discussed her role in “Malevolent,” a 2018 horror film on Netflix, revealing it as a source of professional regret.
“It’s probably the one movie that I wish I never did,”
said Pugh.
“I think everybody has one of those movies.”
– Florence Pugh, Actress. Her words resonate with many in the entertainment industry, where not every project turns out as hoped.
Pugh explained that at the time, she was still learning about the industry and took the opportunity mainly for financial reasons.
“I think it was just a movie that I did when I was younger and I needed money,”
she continued.
“And I was like, ‘Well, obviously this is great.’ And then I got there and it wasn’t great.”
– Florence Pugh, Actress.
In “Malevolent,” she starred alongside Ben Lloyd-Hughes, portraying siblings who deceive grieving families by faking supernatural encounters and falsely promising to cleanse their homes of ghosts. However, the plot takes a drastic turn when the fabrications begin to feel all too real, bringing genuine terror to the characters and viewers alike.
Reception of Malevolent and Pugh’s Rising Profile
Despite the chilling premise, “Malevolent” failed to impress. The film received lukewarm responses, holding a 54% critics’ score and a considerably lower 18% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While it was a setback, this brief period did not define Pugh’s trajectory.
Within a year of “Malevolent,” Pugh starred in three important films: “Fighting With My Family,” Ari Aster’s critically acclaimed “Midsommar,” and the adaptation of “Little Women.” These roles established her as a standout among young actors, marking her emergence as a major Hollywood talent. The trio of movies showcased her versatility and ability to handle emotionally rich roles.
Challenging Roles and Enduring Impact
Discussing the impact of her intense performance in “Midsommar,” Pugh recounted the emotional turmoil she experienced portraying a woman ensnared in a haunting Swedish cult scenario.
“I’d never done anything like that before and I was like, ‘OK, well here’s my opportunity. I need to give this a go.’ And I would just basically put myself through hell.”
– Florence Pugh, Actress. This commitment demonstrated her dedication to her craft, even when projects took a personal toll.
Looking Ahead: Major Projects in the Pipeline
Although “Malevolent” remains a misstep, it clearly has not stalled Pugh’s progression. She is set to return as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” and will reprise her role as Princess Irulan in “Dune: Part Three.” Notably, both blockbuster films are scheduled to debut simultaneously on December 18, 2026, reflecting the high demand for her talents and her enduring appeal to audiences and critics alike.
Pugh’s openness about her Florence Pugh career regrets offers insight into the challenges and growth experienced by actors at every stage of their journey, reinforcing her position as a respected and relatable figure in the entertainment world.
