English actress Florence Pugh takes on a daring stunt by leaping off Kuala Lumpur's iconic Merdeka 118, the second tallest building in the world. Photos: Florence Pugh/Instagram, Marvel Studios/YouTube
English actress Florence Pugh delighted fans in Malaysia last year when news broke that she had filmed a skydiving scene atop Merdeka 118 for the upcoming Marvel movie Thunderbolts*.
Now, audiences are getting a behind-the-scenes look at that heart-pounding moment.
On Friday (April 4), Marvel Studios released a sneak peek at the film’s stunts, including a clip of Pugh preparing to leap from the world’s second tallest building (678.9m).
In the footage, the 29-year-old appeared visibly stunned as she geared up for the jump, with members of the production and safety team by her side to ensure everything was in place.
“Of any stunt in any movie, this is amazing. How many times do you see someone throwing themselves off a building? It’s strange how zen I feel,” she said.
The scene then cuts off to the crew’s countdown, and with a deep breath, Pugh steps off the ledge, freefalling from the towering height before pulling her parachute.
The actress, who plays the lead character Yelena Belova, appeared composed as she glided towards the ground.
Merdeka 118 isn’t the only landmark in KL featured in Thunderbolts*. In another scene, Pugh’s character could be seen walking along the city’s Medan Pasar.
Many Malaysian fans have since expressed their excitement about their home country being featured in a major Hollywood production.
“So happy that they chose to film the skydiving scene in Malaysia,” said one netizen.
Another added: “I’m an intern at Merdeka 118, can't wait to watch the jump scene.”
Set for release on May 2, Thunderbolts* follows a team of anti-heroes conducting covert operations for the government of the United States.
The film also stars Sebastian Stan, David Harbour and Geraldine Viswanathan.
