Summary
One of theDunestars has just wrapped up another project. They admitted that the criticism aimed at their character in their new TV series made them “arsey.”
TheDunemovie series by director Denis Villeneuve is a cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novels.Dune: Part Onewas released in 2021 and it was well-received.Dune: Part Twohit theaters in 2024 and received the same positive reception. Both movies were a critical and commercial success. The actors are set to start filming forDune: Messiah, the third movie, this summer. However, one of them just wrapped up filming another project and they defended their character from the critics.
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Florence Pugh shared more details about her character in theNetflixminiseriesEast of Eden, where she plays the anti-heroine Cathy Ames. The show is based on John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. The author described Cathy as someone with a “malformed soul” and several of those who read the book criticized the character, but Pugh had a different take on Cathy. In fact, she even defended Cathy from those who considered her a “terrible person,” saying the criticisms were unreasonable. Pugh explained:
People keep on saying to me, ‘I read the book. She’s a terrible person.’ But I get really arsey about that. I can explain all the awful things that she does. It’s my responsibility to understand the character because they can’t defend themselves.
Zoe Kazan, an American actress and writer, approached Pugh to star in the film and executive produce the project. TheThunderbolts*starshared that when she was reading the script, she was also wondering how Kazan was willing to give her such “power.” Pugh previously produced the 2023 American dramaA Good Person,so this will be her second credit as a producer. Pugh said she loved writing dialogue and it was her “second main enjoyment outside of acting.” While some actors may have reservations about playing a character many would love to hate, Pugh was seemingly confident in taking the role. According to theBlack Widowstar, “I know who I want to play.”
Pugh portraying Cathy Ames is not surprising because she is into playing complex characters. For instance, inMidsommar(2019), she plays Dani, a grieving woman who slowly loses herself in a strange Swedish cult. She delivered a haunting portrayal of emotional collapse and rebirth. InDon’t Worry Darling(2022), she plays Alice, a 1950s housewife living an ideal life until she discovers the disturbing truth that stirs her perfect life. In theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU), she portrays Yelena Belova, a sharp, witty, and tough assassin who also struggles with depression. InOppenheimer(2023), her role Jean Tatlock is a troubled and passionate woman whose relationship with the title character is both intimate and politically fraught. InDune: Part Two(2024), Pugh’s Princess Irulan is a poised and calculating daughter of Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV.
Pugh has pulled off a variety of roles successfully, showing her versatility and prowess in acting. One can’t typecast her because she has repeatedly demonstrated to her fans and critics that she can play any character, be it a superhero role, a grieving woman, a troubled person, or a calculating imperial daughter. Pugh would be perfect for portraying Cathy inEast of Edenbecause she excels in portraying duality. She can play a kind person on the surface and be menacing underneath. She could also pull off Cathy’s darkest moments without exaggerating them to make the scenes realistic. Most importantly, Pugh can bring nuance to her villain characters, making them compelling and grounded.
