Florence Pugh has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actresses in 2024 and 2025—trusted equally with award-worthy dramas and major franchises—her rise marks her as one of the top rising stars in the industry.

Florence Pugh comes from a creative family, with her older brother, Toby Sebastian, also an actor known for his role as Trystane Martell in Game of Thrones. Pugh debuted with The Falling (2014) but first captured widespread attention in Lady Macbeth (2016), earning a British Independent Film Award for her fierce portrayal of a constrained young bride. This performance established her as a force in independent cinema, paving the way for her breakthrough year in 2019.

That year, she delivered standout roles: as wrestler Paige in Fighting with My Family, as Dani in psychological horror Midsommar, and as Amy March in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Transitioning smoothly to blockbuster filmmaking, Pugh joined Marvel’s universe as Yelena Belova in Black Widow (2021) and reprised the role in the Disney+ series Hawkeye. In 2023, she appeared in Nolan’s Oppenheimer as Jean Tatlock, part of a film that surpassed $967 million globally.

She recently starred in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two (2024) as Princess Irulan, a role critics noted as increasingly central to the saga, and which contributed to the film grossing over $711 million.

2024 saw Pugh shine in We Live in Time, alongside Andrew Garfield, critically praised for her emotionally powerful, non-linear portrayal of Almut, which earned strong reviews and festival accolades.

Her performance in Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two (2024)—Florence Pugh plays Princess Irulan Corrino, the daughter of Emperor Shaddam IV (played by Christopher Walken)—and her earlier role in The Wonder (2022), where her determined nurse earned acclaim, highlight her versatility.

Pugh is poised to headline Thunderbolts (May 2025), returning as Yelena Belova. Critics already cite her as “the emotional core” and credit her for bringing depth to Marvel’s ensemble.

She’s also set to star in Netflix’s adaptation of East of Eden as Cathy Ames—a signature role that blends literary weight with complex character study.

·       Versatility: From indie dramas (Lady Macbeth, Midsommar) to global tentpoles (Dune, Marvel), Pugh handles demanding roles with equal conviction.

·       Critical and Box Office Success: When combined, her films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide, achieving both commercial triumph and artistic recognition.

·       Fearless Immersion: Known for deep emotional commitment—particularly in psychologically intense roles—she has even noted the toll of immersive performances like Midsommar, calling it “too much”.

Pugh’s career reflects strategic planning, alternating between genre hits and prestigious dramas to maintain both mass appeal and critical heft. Collaborating with acclaimed directors like Gerwig, Aster, Nolan, Villeneuve, and Crowley further underlines her selective and intelligent role choices.