Florence Pugh's No-Theatre Shock Stuns Ian McKellen
Florence Pugh revealed she shocked Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart by admitting she has never performed in a theatre role.
Ian McKellen reacted with shock upon learning Florence Pugh has never performed in a theatre production. The revelation came during an interaction on the set of the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, where McKellen asked Pugh about her first stage role.
Pugh told him she had never appeared on stage. McKellen was, in his own words, 'absolutely horrified' by her statement. He immediately gestured to his fellow acting legend Patrick Stewart, exclaiming, 'Patrick! Patrick! She’s never done a play!' Stewart is renowned for his extensive stage work.
Pugh's background and ambitions
Florence Pugh explained her lack of theatre training while expressing it as a personal ambition. She has worked hard and learned from the actors and directors she has collaborated with throughout her film career. Pugh went straight from school into professional acting without attending drama school.
"I don't have the training," Pugh said. "I don't think my voice will ever be big enough." She clarified that this refers specifically to musical theatre, while maintaining that appearing on a stage remains a goal.
Her dedication is evident in her layered performances, from Midsommar to Lady Macbeth, and in performing demanding stunts. In recent years, Pugh has added several films and shows to her resume, gaining a better understanding of different on-set environments. She hopes for a good and safe atmosphere on every project.
I don’t like messy sets, she said. I want people to come to work and work, and enjoy that it’s a luxury to do this.
Context of the Marvel reunion
The exchange occurred during filming for Avengers: Doomsday, where Pugh will reprise her role as Yelena Belova. She previously played the character in Black Widow and Thunderbolts. The film's cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Robert Downey Jr.
Ian McKellen himself has spent as much time in Hollywood as in theatre. Many actors whose careers began in front of live audiences have that foundational stage experience, which made Pugh's admission so surprising to him.
Russo Brothers' framing of the film
The film's narrative is being positioned as a direct continuation of the previous Avengers saga. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who directed Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, are re-releasing an enhanced version of the latter.
They have stated that Avengers: Endgame Encore, which includes extra footage and new mid-credit scenes, is 'required viewing' before Avengers: Doomsday. The Russo Brothers said there is a 'natural progression from Endgame into Doomsday' and that the re-release connects the story of the two movies.
Florence Pugh is set to show another brilliant performance in Avengers: Doomsday.
