Florence Pugh was born in 1996 and made her acting debut in 2014, but she gained significant attention when she took on the lead role in the 18+ film Lady Macbeth (2016). This independent film, produced on a low budget, shocked audiences with its intense and disturbing story, showcasing the ambition of a young woman through Florence Pugh’s compelling performance, at a time when she was still relatively unknown.
From a breakthrough that bore remarkable significance, the actress has risen to stardom, contributing to numerous acclaimed films such as Little Women and Black Widow. She is a unique figure in Hollywood, known for her striking appearance, strong physique, and bold fashion style. Florence Pugh is also recognized as a down-to-earth star with a vibrant personality, unafraid to take risks.
Florence Pugh’s appearance in the Marvel superhero film universe marked an unexpected twist, making her debut in Black Widow as Yelena Belova, a fierce and strong-willed character. Even though the film faced criticism upon release, Florence Pugh demonstrated her potential for a more significant future. She has since secured a role in Thunderbolts—a film currently generating buzz and expected to yield good revenue for Marvel after a period of stagnation.
Thunderbolts* (Image: Marvel)
In an interview with Variety, Florence Pugh shared that this film aims to resonate with many people, promoting the message of connection and empathy amidst division. Yelena’s journey reflects the experience of an individual who feels lost, alienated, and disconnected, resonating deeply with audiences.
In the film, the character Red Guardian/Alexei Shostakov (played by David Harbour) repeatedly refers to Yelena as a “light.” This notion is something viewers are likely to sense, as Florence Pugh brings a refreshing presence to the superhero role that stands out among the stars. The actress has also shown remarkable determination, as evidenced by her performance during rigorous stunts set in high-rise buildings in Malaysia.
Intense scene featuring Florence Pugh in Thunderbolts* (Image: Marvel)
The film Thunderbolts* is currently generating buzz for its unique approach, creative engagement, and appeal, bringing a fresh perspective not only to Marvel but also to the film industry as a whole.
Upon its release, the film earned approximately $76 million at the North American box office. This figure is not particularly high for a superhero film, which typically starts at hundreds of millions of dollars. However, Thunderbolts* focuses on lesser-known heroes. Its box office performance is comparable to that of Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings ($75 million) and Eternals ($71 million), introducing new characters in the Marvel universe. Analysts believe Thunderbolts* will experience significant momentum in the coming weeks, as it has received an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A-” from CinemaScore’s audience polls post-release. Marvel is perceived to be on a rebound after a series of underwhelming films like Captain America: Brave New World, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and The Marvels.
“This marks a good start for a new superhero story,” said David A. Gross, managing director of Franchise Entertainment Research. “It doesn’t rank among the top for all superhero films released, but it is above the average for this genre. In this case, average means a substantial sum.”
Globally, Thunderbolts* concluded its opening weekend with $162.1 million and is expected to maintain a strong draw in the near future.
The production budget for Thunderbolts* was $180 million, with about $100 million allocated for marketing. Disney hopes this film will mark a revival for the superhero franchise as it steps into a new phase with upcoming superhero projects. Later this summer, Marvel plans to release The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, while Warner Bros. and DC are set to debut Superman on July 11.
