Florence Pugh . The name alone brings a certain buzz right? She's become a huge star and for good reason. But before she was Yelena Belova kicking butt in the MCU Florence was proving her acting chops in some seriously intense and different roles. Let's take a look at her journey from early films to superhero stardom and even her recent bold fashion choices because Florence is never one to be boring.
Before Marvel Naomi Ackie Remembers Powerful Debut with Florence Pugh in Lady Macbeth
You might know Naomi Ackie from recent projects like Mickey 17 or Blink Twice but did you know one of her first big roles was alongside Florence Pugh? It was in the period drama thriller Lady Macbeth and it is a film you should definitely check out if you want to see early Florence showcasing her raw talent.
In Lady Macbeth Florence plays Katherine a young woman trapped in a miserable marriage. Naomi Ackie plays Anna her housemaid. Ackie has said that working on this film was a significant experience for her. She recently mentioned how impressed she was with Florence even back then. Lady Macbeth is described as a cold-blooded thriller that looks like a fancy period piece but is actually quite vicious.
Ackie's character Anna is really important in the movie. Initially you might think Lady Macbeth is going to be a "good for her" story about female empowerment but it takes a dark turn. Katherine's actions become increasingly ruthless and it is Anna's perspective that really highlights the disturbing side of Katherine's choices. Ackie's performance is all about subtle terror and internal conflict. She communicates so much just through her expressions and body language showing Anna's fear and desperation as she witnesses Katherine's manipulations.
Critics loved both Pugh and Ackie in Lady Macbeth. It was a breakout role for Florence and really put her on the map as a star to watch. Naomi Ackie more than holds her own against Florence in what was a demanding debut role for her. If you are looking for a film that is both beautiful and unsettling Lady Macbeth is a must-see and highlights the early talent of both these amazing actresses.
From Wrestling Rings to Super Suits: Florence Pugh Shines in Fighting with My Family and Beyond
Speaking of Florence Pugh's versatility let's talk about another movie where she is completely different: Fighting with My Family. This comedy-drama based on the true story of WWE wrestler Paige is a total 180 from the intense Lady Macbeth. And guess what? It's actually streaming for free on Tubi starting April 1st.
Florence stars as Saraya "Paige" Bevis a young woman from a wrestling family who makes it to WWE stardom. It is a feel-good movie with a lot of heart and humor. Critics really praised Florence's performance as Paige saying it was one of the best things about the film. Fighting with My Family has a super impressive 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with critics calling it energetic funny and genuinely inspiring.
This movie came out in 2019 the same year as another of Florence's big films Midsommar. Talk about range! 2019 was definitely Florence's breakthrough year showing she could nail both intense horror and heartwarming comedy-drama. Fighting with My Family also did well at the box office making over $40 million worldwide on a small budget.
After proving herself in films like Lady Macbeth and Fighting with My Family it was only a matter of time before Marvel came calling. And of course they did.
Yelena Belova and Beyond: Florence Pugh's MCU Future in Thunderbolts and Beyond
Florence Pugh officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova in Black Widow in 2021 and she has quickly become a fan favorite. Yelena is Natasha Romanoff's adopted sister and a skilled assassin in her own right. Florence is set to reprise the role in the upcoming Thunderbolts movie which is scheduled for release on May 2 2025.
Thunderbolts is going to be a bit different from your typical superhero team-up. It features a group of antiheroes or morally grey characters who are sent on a dangerous mission for redemption. Florence's Yelena is going to be a key part of this team alongside other returning MCU faces like Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes (yes him again!). David Harbour is also back as Red Guardian who has a kind of father-figure relationship with Yelena.
Thunderbolts is actually going to be the final movie in Phase 5 of the MCU. So it sounds like it is going to be pretty significant for the future of the Marvel universe. Florence Pugh's Yelena is clearly a character Marvel sees as having a long future in the MCU and fans are definitely excited to see more of her.
"Free the Nipple" Fashionista? Florence Pugh and the Rise of Sheer Style
Beyond her acting Florence Pugh has also become known for her bold fashion choices. Recently there has been a trend of "naked dressing" with sheer see-through outfits becoming popular on red carpets and runways. And Florence has definitely been embracing this trend. She has been seen in very sheer dresses and tops challenging traditional ideas of modesty.
This "naked dressing" trend is part of a bigger movement about body positivity and women reclaiming their bodies and fashion choices. While some people find these revealing outfits controversial many see them as empowering and a way to challenge old-fashioned rules about what women should wear.
Florence Pugh is someone who is not afraid to push boundaries both in her roles and in her fashion. Whether she is playing a complex character in a period drama a wrestler in a comedy or rocking a sheer dress on the red carpet Florence Pugh is always interesting and always worth watching.
Florence Pugh: Must-Watch Movies
- Lady Macbeth (2016): A chilling period drama thriller showcasing Pugh's early talent.
- Fighting with My Family (2019): A heartwarming and funny comedy-drama based on a true story about wrestling. Streaming free on Tubi starting April 1 2025.
- Midsommar (2019): A critically acclaimed folk horror film that solidified Pugh's status as a major star.
- Black Widow (2021): Pugh's MCU debut as Yelena Belova a skilled and complex character.
- Thunderbolts (2025): Upcoming MCU film featuring Pugh reprising her role as Yelena Belova in a team of antiheroes. Release Date: May 2 2025.