Florence Pugh has offered a deeply honest reflection on her time working with intimacy coordinators, acknowledging both the value they bring to film sets and the challenges that still exist as the role continues to evolve. Speaking during her appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast on November 11, the actor revealed that her interactions with coordinators have ranged from supportive to uncomfortable, highlighting how the profession is still finding its rhythm within the industry.
Pugh explained that the purpose of an intimacy coordinator is to provide a sense of safety and clarity for performers, especially during scenes that involve physical closeness, nudity or emotional vulnerability. She described the role as a protective system designed to keep actors comfortable — not an obstacle to creativity. According to her, a well-trained coordinator can help turn difficult scenes into meaningful storytelling moments by establishing boundaries, ensuring consent and maintaining professionalism.
However, Pugh acknowledged that not every coordinator she has worked with managed the responsibility well. She recalled early experiences in her career when she performed intimate scenes without any structured guidance, and while she felt confident advocating for herself, she admitted there were situations that were “completely inappropriate” in hindsight. One particular coordinator, she noted, made the entire environment more uncomfortable, treating the set more as an opportunity to be involved rather than a place to support the actors.
Despite these challenges, Pugh emphasized that the industry is progressing. Her recent collaborations have shown her the true value of intimacy coordination when the role is executed respectfully and competently. She highlighted how a skilled coordinator choreographs movement with purpose and protects the emotional wellbeing of the cast, turning what could be awkward sequences into carefully crafted and safe performances.
As productions increasingly adopt intimacy coordination, Pugh believes the film world is moving toward healthier, more professional environments — especially for scenes that demand trust, vulnerability and clear communication.