Florence Pugh jumped into the debate over the need for intimacy coordinators in films. The Thunderbolts* star is the latest to comment on the matter after celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lawrence recently said she didn’t feel the need to use intimacy coordinators hired on her set because she trusted her co-stars to be professional. Diversity Informed.
Pugh did not pay attention to the subject when she sat down Louis Theroux Podcast On 11th November.
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Florence Pugh talks about intimacy coordinators
Pugh said she understands what intimacy coordinators aim to do. He described the role as a safety net, not as another layer of stress. He told Theroux, “It’s not meant to get in the way, it’s not meant to confuse, it’s not meant to make things more complicated or make things more awkward.” He further explained that the aim is to keep everyone comfortable with what they are creating and ensure that the work has meaning for those involved.
He said he has worked with several people, although results have been mixed. She said, “I’ve had both good and bad. I’ve done a lot of my sex scenes before for a job and I think I’m quite confident and quite happy in my own skin and I’ve always been able to make sure I’m heard.”
Pugh did not pretend that the past was perfect. He recalled moments from the early days of his career that still feel wrong. “That being said, there are a lot of things that I remember where it was completely inappropriate to ask me to do that, to direct me in that way,” she explained.
The Oppenheimer actor also mentioned one particular experience that veered into uncomfortable territory. He described a coordinator who “made it so weird and awkward and really wasn’t helpful and wanted to be part of the set in a way that wasn’t helpful, and I think that’s a job that’s still going on on its own.”
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Florence Pugh explains why intimacy coordinators matter
Despite those moments, Pugh said his perspective is changing as the industry matures. His recent work has shown him what work can look like when handled with skill and respect.
This profession usually comes up when scenes involve nudity, simulated sex, or close physical contact. Coordinators help touch up choreography, set boundaries, and act as a voice for performers who need a moment for clarity or a reset.
Pugh knows that good people matter. She said, “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.”
questions to ask
Why did Florence Pugh discuss intimacy coordinators?
He talked about his diverse experiences during an interview with Louis Theroux.
Did Florence Pugh say she faced negative encounters on set?
Yes, she recalled moments she described as awkward and inappropriate.
Have his opinions on coordinators changed over time?
He said he now has “great experiences” and his perspective continues to evolve.
What do intimacy coordinators usually do?
They guide physical interactions and help maintain boundaries during intimate scenes.