Florence Pugh says intimacy coordinating is still a work in progress

Florence Pugh shares candid thoughts on working with intimacy coordinators and awkward experiences

Florence Pugh has shared her nuanced take on working with intimacy coordinators in Hollywood, describing how the role can be both helpful and occasionally awkward. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the Oscar-nominated star explained that intimacy coordinators are meant to ensure everyone involved in intimate scenes feels safe and that the work being created has meaning.

The Thunderbolts and Little Women actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that she has encountered both excellent and problematic coordinators. “I’ve had good ones and bad ones. I did a lot of my sex scenes before that was even a job, and I think I’m quite confident and quite happy in my skin,” Pugh said. However, she recalled instances where the guidance she received was inappropriate or made scenes unnecessarily uncomfortable, showing that the industry is still refining the role.

Pugh elaborated on the value of skilled intimacy coordinators, who can provide depth to a scene by helping actors explore the story behind a character’s actions, teaching realistic physical interactions, and establishing boundaries through safe words and structured communication. “When I worked with a fantastic coordinator, I was like: Oh, this is what I’ve been missing, understanding the dance of intimacy, as opposed to just shooting a sex scene,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Pugh is set to reprise her roles in Dune: Part Three as Princess Irulan and in Avengers: Doomsday as Yelena Belova. She is also set to star in Netflix’s limited series adaptation of East of Eden. Despite her busy schedule, the actress remains candid about the evolving nature of intimacy coordination in Hollywood, recognising the importance of the role while acknowledging its growing pains.