You Won’t Believe How Florence Pugh Risked It All for One Epic Thunderbolts Stunt

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How Florence Pugh Convinced Marvel to Let Her Perform a Death-Defying Stunt in Thunderbolts

Florence Pugh is ready to break records—both on-screen and behind the scenes. In a daring stunt for Thunderbolts, the actress convinced Marvel to let her jump off the world’s second tallest building. How did she manage to pull off such a jaw-dropping feat without a stunt double? Read on to discover how Pugh fought for this heart-stopping moment, and why it’s one of her proudest accomplishments.

Florence Pugh's Stunt Challenge in Thunderbolts

Marvel’s upcoming movie Thunderbolts is set to deliver some breathtaking action scenes. But one sequence, in particular, stands out: a leap from the towering Merdeka 118, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Standing at an astounding 2,722 feet, Merdeka 118 is the world’s second tallest building, making it a perfect setting for a thrilling stunt—if you’re brave enough.

For Florence Pugh, who portrays Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this stunt was no ordinary challenge. Despite initial pushback from Marvel, Pugh fought hard to make sure she was the one to take the leap herself—no stunt double allowed.

The Struggle to Perform the Stunt

During a recent interview with Fandango, Florence revealed how she had to convince Marvel Studios, and specifically, Marvel president Kevin Feige, to let her perform the stunt. Initially, the studio was against the idea due to insurance concerns. Pugh, however, was not about to let go of the opportunity.

"It was in the script, and then slowly, as we got closer and closer to shooting, they started saying it might not happen because of insurance issues," Pugh explained. "They were obviously not going to throw me off the second tallest building in the world."

But Pugh wasn’t easily deterred. Despite the risks involved, she began to send emails to Feige, insisting that the stunt be included. She even argued that it would be a great publicity stunt for the movie.

How Pugh Got Marvel’s Approval

Pugh’s persistence paid off. She revealed that she was “being a sassy Karen,” constantly emailing Kevin Feige and lobbying for the stunt. “It’s going to do wonders for the press tour!” she recalled telling him. “We’re going to have three women break three different Guinness World Records, and we’ll do this and that.”

Her efforts eventually worked. Marvel Studios finally agreed to let her do the stunt, marking a major achievement for Pugh as one of the few actors in Hollywood to take on such a risky challenge without the help of a stunt double.

A Mind-Over-Matter Experience

While many would assume that the physical act of jumping off a skyscraper would be the hardest part, Pugh shared that the mental preparation was even more exhausting than the physical feat itself. “The mental control I had to do that day was its own superpower,” Pugh said.

“I don’t mind heights. I quite like them and enjoy them, but that was a whole different ballgame,” she added. Pugh’s ability to overcome her fear and execute the stunt herself is a testament to her dedication and determination as an actor.

A Record-Breaking Moment

Pugh's stunt in Thunderbolts mirrors the efforts of other legendary actors like Tom Cruise, who is known for doing his own jaw-dropping stunts in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Just like Cruise, Pugh proves that she’s not afraid to push herself to the limits when it comes to delivering high-stakes, heart-racing action on the big screen.

In addition to the stunt itself, Pugh’s efforts have helped pave the way for more women to take on record-breaking challenges in Hollywood. Her determination to perform her own stunts serves as an inspiration to others in the industry, showing that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Thunderbolts Hits Theaters This May

Fans of Pugh and the MCU are eagerly awaiting the release of Thunderbolts, which is set to hit theaters on May 2, 2025. The movie promises to deliver plenty of thrilling action, and with Pugh performing some of her own daring stunts, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Florence Pugh’s determination to perform one of the most dangerous stunts in Thunderbolts speaks to her commitment to her craft. Despite initial resistance from Marvel, Pugh convinced the studio to let her jump off the world’s second tallest building. In doing so, she proved that she’s not only a talented actress but also a fearless risk-taker willing to push boundaries in Hollywood.

Whether it’s the mental preparation or the physical jump, Pugh’s stunt is one of the standout moments of Thunderbolts that fans won’t want to miss. Get ready for one of the most exciting action sequences of the year when the movie arrives in theaters this May.