‘Midsommar’s Florence Pugh Reveals Why She’s Drawn to Roles That Terrify Her

Published 11/11/2025, 11:10 AM EST

Florence Pugh has forged a career through daring and transformative performances, from the unsettling intensity of Midsommar to the heartfelt depth of Little Women and the action-driven energy of Black Widow. She consistently seeks roles that challenge her emotionally, physically, and mentally, embracing complexity and nuance over comfort. Her choices reflect a fearless dedication to authenticity, pushing boundaries and defying expectations. With each bold performance, she has carved a distinct path in cinema and has revealed her thoughtful mindset on how she chooses roles.

Yet behind these fearless choices lies a method few understand, what secret criteria drive Florence Pugh to say yes or no to a role?

Florence Pugh’s secret to picking roles that challenge her

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During her appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Florence Pugh explained how she chooses roles, stating, "There has to be a moment in the script where I'm scared of if I'll be able to do it." She looks for parts that scare her, roles she has never attempted before, or characters that demand emotional or physical experiences she is uncertain she can fully inhabit. Pugh believes these moments of challenge signal the projects she must pursue, offering the opportunity to grow as an actor and deliver performances that are daring, authentic, and unforgettable.

Florence Pugh then thoughtfully discussed her evolving perspective on intimacy coordinators, acknowledging both positive and uncomfortable experiences throughout her career. She admitted there were moments when direction felt inappropriate but emphasized the immense value of these professionals when managed thoughtfully. Pugh noted that effective coordinators build trust, protect boundaries, and enhance storytelling, allowing intimate scenes to appear natural, respectful, and emotionally authentic to the characters. Beyond her professional insights, Pugh also opened up about her personal life.

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Florence Pugh finally opened up about her past relationship with Zach Braff, sharing the challenges of their age difference and the intense backlash she faced, hinting at the emotional toll it took on her.

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In the same podcast, Florence Pugh reflected on the intense scrutiny she faced during her three-year relationship with Zach Braff. She described feeling deeply hurt by the relentless wave of negative comments targeting their age difference. Pugh emphasized that she consistently defended both her partner and her own choices, insisting on the right to live her life freely. Her steadfast stance not only protected the relationship but also challenged public perceptions, ultimately prompting some to reconsider their judgments and see the relationship differently.

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Florence Pugh explained that standing up for the people she cares about is intrinsic to her character, even if it challenges societal expectations. She emphasized the importance of resetting boundaries and confronting unfair treatment, refusing to allow criticism to dominate her life. Pugh, also recently painted a difficult picture of Hollywood, acknowledged its pressures and inequities. Despite this, she continues to deliver unforgettable performances, deliberately choosing roles that are demanding, complex, and emotionally daring, proving her dedication to meaningful storytelling.

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What do you think about Florence Pugh’s recent revelation about the kind of roles she picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Yusra Miraj Khan

1198 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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