English actress Florence Pugh insisted on performing a stunt in Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*,” which involved her character, Yelena Belova (Black Widow), jumping off the Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, the world’s second-tallest building, despite initial resistance from producers.
Pugh revealed that the producers wanted to remove the stunt from the film, citing insurance concerns.
However, she was adamant about including it and persistently lobbied Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to allow her to do it, emphasising the potential for positive publicity.
She eventually convinced the producers, who reluctantly agreed to facilitate the stunt.
Pugh, who is not afraid of heights, described the experience as “insane” and requiring significant mental control.
The “Thunderbolts*” film, featuring Pugh alongside other actors, centres on a group of antiheroes on a dangerous mission.
Pugh has previously portrayed Yelena Belova in “Black Widow” and “Hawkeye” and is also set to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday.”
“Thunderbolts*” is scheduled for release in May 2025.
