Florence Pugh Opens Up About the One Film She Wishes She Hadn’t Taken

Florence Pugh Regrets Her Role in Malevolent: A Closer Look

In a candid discussion on The Louis Theroux podcast, Florence Pugh revealed her thoughts on her acting career, highlighting a particular film she wishes she hadn’t participated in: Malevolent. Despite being recognized for a range of impressive roles, even the most talented actors experience moments of regret. Pugh’s admission sheds light on the complex emotions that can accompany an acting career.

Malevolent is a supernatural horror film released on Netflix in October 2018. Directed by Olaf de Fleur, the film features Pugh alongside Ben Lloyd-Hughes, depicting siblings who con artists convince clients that Pugh’s character can communicate with the dead. While many may consider her performance commendable, Pugh has openly stated that she has never even watched the film. “It’s probably the one movie that I wish I never did,” she mentioned during the interview.

What led Pugh to take on such a role? It seems the motive revolved around her need for financial stability at the time. Like many young actors, Pugh felt the pressure to accept opportunities that came her way, even if they didn’t align with her artistic vision or passion. Reflecting on her experience, she articulated that every actor likely has a project they wish to forget, highlighting the internal struggle artists face when balancing their craft with economic realities.

The film received mixed reviews, holding a mere 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The lackluster reception further points to Pugh’s regret, as it’s not only about the film itself but also about what it represented in her early career. On The Louis Theroux podcast, Pugh explained that she initially thought the film would be a worthwhile endeavor, but upon arrival, it simply didn’t meet her expectations.

This experience resonates with many actors who begin their careers with limited options. They often find themselves in positions where they must prioritize their financial needs over creative satisfaction. Pugh said she accepted the project with the hope of success, but it ultimately left her feeling unsatisfied.

The Challenges of Acting: Mental Health and Emotional Strain

Success in Hollywood often brings with it a darker side; actors navigate pressures that can take a toll on their mental health and emotional well-being. Florence Pugh’s experiences point to the unnerving reality that comes from immersing oneself deeply into a character. For her role in Midsommar, another film that deeply affected her mental state, Pugh derived emotional pain to enhance her performance, leading to serious ramifications.

On numerous occasions, Pugh has discussed how playing the character Dani in Midsommar led to months of depression. “I needed to sound pained; I ended up in a horrific mindset,” she stated. This level of immersion in roles, while necessary for authenticity, can often leave actors feeling vulnerable and exposed. Pugh’s willingness to share her struggles invites an important conversation about the mental load that comes with acting.

Many actors confront similar struggles. To illustrate this point, a list of common challenges faced by actors could include:

• The need for emotional vulnerability during performances.
• Addressing public scrutiny and criticism of their work.
• Managing financial pressures that may force them to accept unfulfilling roles.
• Balancing personal life and professional commitments.

Hollywood must evolve to support mental health awareness among actors, providing resources that help them cope with the emotional demands of their craft. Pugh’s openness indicates a shift in how actors can navigate their careers without sacrificing their mental health in the process.

Career Evolution: Learning from Past Roles

Despite her regret about Malevolent, Florence Pugh has shown significant growth and resilience in her career. In recent years, she has starred in high-profile projects, earning accolades that affirm her position as one of Hollywood’s vibrant young stars. Each role she takes on serves as an opportunity to evolve, ensuring that she is not boxed into any specific genre or type of character.

Her journey exemplifies the importance of learning from past experiences. In speaking about the future, Pugh asserts that she has transformed her approach to role selection, emphasizing projects that resonate with her values. She has stated, “I’ve given too much to some roles,” suggesting that she is now more discerning about the opportunities she takes.

In assessing her filmography, notable successes illustrate Pugh’s impressive trajectory:

• Little Women (2019) – A critical success that showcased her versatility.
• Black Widow (2021) – Reprising her role as Yelena Belova, also emphasizes her ability to thrive in the superhero film genre.
• Don’t Worry Darling (2022) – A drama that showcases her depth and complexity as an actress.

Pugh has emphasized that her previous experiences, even the difficult ones, contribute to her growth. They shape her understanding of herself as an actress and inform her decision-making as a performer. This evolution can lead to the nurturing of roles that not only challenge her but also facilitate personal growth and emotional well-being.

Future Projects: A Look Ahead in Florence Pugh’s Career

Moving forward, Florence Pugh is set to grace screens in several high-profile projects expected to hit theaters in 2026. Her role as Yelena Belova in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and as Princess Irulan in Dune: Part Three marks a return to beloved franchises that have solidified her reputation in the film industry.

Moreover, she is poised to star in the adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic, East of Eden, which will stream on Netflix as a limited series. Filming for this project concluded in 2025, suggesting a significant release is on the horizon.

Pugh’s ability to navigate her career path reflects her understanding of industry dynamics while continuing to evolve her artistic presence. The combination of these upcoming projects indicates a diverse year ahead, as she continues to balance between commercial and independent films.

To provide a clearer picture, let’s summarize her upcoming projects:

• Avengers: Doomsday – Release Date: December 18, 2026.
• Dune: Part Three – Release Date: December 18, 2026.
• East of Eden – Expected Release: 2026.

Reflections on the Price of Fame and Success

Florence Pugh’s career illustrates a continuation of themes that resonate throughout Hollywood: the pursuit of success, the pressures of public perception, and the emotional costs of fame. Pugh’s reflections on Malevolent and her experiences acting showcase the stark reality many public figures endure in the film industry.

It becomes evident that actors like Pugh are not merely entertainers but also human beings grappling with complexities of life and career. The journey for many begins with difficult roles that shape their careers, leading them down a path where personal and professional identities often merge.

As Pugh navigates her next steps amidst the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of reflective practices in the industry. Reflecting on past roles informed her current choices and bolstered her emotional resilience. This ongoing evolution contributes to her growing influence in entertainment while emphasizing the need for mental health discussions within this high-pressure field.

Florescent Pugh remains a beacon of hope and authenticity, an example of how to tread carefully between the realms of artistic desire and personal well-being without losing sight of purpose.