The Thunderbolts* star says years of working at a relentless pace left her burnt out and that she is now prioritising family, friends and her wellbeing.
Florence Pugh has hinted that she may take a step back from acting after years of maintaining an intense work schedule, saying she needs to “recharge” and learn when to stop.
Speaking to ELLE Spain during a recent photoshoot, the Thunderbolts* star said she has realised that slowing down is necessary for her long-term success and ability to take on demanding roles.
“Taking care of myself. It’s that simple. Being able to breathe. For a long time, I’ve said I needed to slow down, but the truth is I never did,” Pugh said.
The actor admitted that her relentless pace eventually left her feeling burnt out. She said she is now spending more time with her family and friends as she works towards finding a healthier balance.
“In the end, I was burning myself out. Now I’m dedicating more time to my family and friends,” she explained.
Pugh also said she needs time to recharge so she can continue taking on challenging roles. For her, she suggested, success now means learning when to step away.
“I need to recharge to keep tackling such demanding roles. So for me, success is having learned to stop,” she said.
Despite considering a slower pace, Pugh has an extremely busy slate of major projects. She is set to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part Three and East of Eden.
Florence Pugh sparks engagement rumours
Pugh’s comments come after renewed speculation surrounding her personal life, particularly rumours that she may have become engaged to actor Finn Cole.
The actress was spotted wearing a sparkling ring while attending Dracula at the Noel Coward Theatre in London in February, prompting speculation that she and Cole could be preparing to marry.
Pugh and Cole have been linked romantically since September 2024, when they were reportedly seen together after an after-party following the London premiere of The Perfect Couple.
The pair have never publicly confirmed that they are dating. However, reports have suggested that they have been getting to know each other privately.
An insider previously told The Sun that the pair were focused on their careers while also developing a relationship.
“They are both putting everything into their careers but have found something special between them,” the source claimed.
Pugh did not identify her partner by name, but during her October 2025 Vogue cover shoot, she confirmed that she was in a relationship and said she was “very much in love”.
She also indicated that she was approaching relationships differently this time around.
For now, Pugh’s comments appear to signal a desire for balance rather than an immediate departure from Hollywood. With several major films still ahead, the actor is expected to remain a prominent presence on screen while making more time for her personal life.