Forget enemies-to-lovers. The cinematic pairing we didn’t know we desperately needed is serving up a masterclass in mutual admiration-to-lovers. Millie Bobby Brown, the powerhouse behind Stranger Things’ Eleven and Enola Holmes, has publicly—and repeatedly—pitched her dream project: a romantic comedy starring herself and none other than Florence Pugh.
This isn’t a passing whim. It’s a full-fledged campaign built on public declarations of love, shared red-carpet magic, and a hilarious off-screen connection that proves sometimes the best storylines are the ones real life writes.
The Pitch: A Rom-Com Born from Real-Life Adoration
During a recent interview, Brown made her case with the clarity of a seasoned producer who knows exactly what the people (herself included) want. She pointed out that both she and Pugh are often cast in “intense” roles—telekinetic heroes, fierce assassins, tortured historical figures—despite their well-documented, vibrant comedic senses off-screen.
“I believe that we would be perfect together in a rom-com,” Brown stated. And then she delivered the killer line, the one that would make any director’s ears perk up: “Because I’m already in love with her, I wouldn’t have to act.”
This declaration is the golden ticket. It promises authentic, spark-flying chemistry from frame one. Brown isn’t just suggesting a co-star; she’s proposing a collaboration built on genuine fondness, a shortcut to the palpable connection that rom-coms live and die by.
A Foundation of Public Praise & “Dad” David Harbour
Brown’s love for Pugh is a recurring theme in her interviews. In another heartfelt moment, she called Pugh a source of empowerment, stating, “I’m gonna say it out loud. She empowers me. I love her… I live for her.” For two of the most in-demand young actresses of their generation, this isn’t studio-forced politeness. This is a real, supportive fan-girl moment happening between peers.
Their bond is hilariously underscored by a shared cinematic father figure: David Harbour. He plays Chief Hopper, Eleven’s adoptive dad in Hawkins, and Alexei Shostakov, the father figure to Pugh’s Yelena Belova in the MCU. This connection led to a priceless moment when Harbour and Pugh were promoting Thunderbolts.
Playing a game, Harbour asked Pugh why Madonna cast him in the 2011 film W.E., offering three choices. Without hesitation, Pugh chose, “B. She wanted to meet Millie Bobby Brown.” Her reasoning? “Everybody wants to meet Millie Bobby Brown.” The fact that Brown was barely known in 2011 makes the answer even funnier—a testament to how synonymous Brown is with star power in Pugh’s mind. (For the record, Harbour said the real answer was C: “She thought I was sexy.”)
The Proof of Concept: BAFTA 2022
The world got a tantalizing preview of this dynamic at the BAFTA Awards in 2022. While Brown was there making her red-carpet debut with fiancé Jake Bongiovi, it was her moments with Pugh that stole a segment of the internet’s heart.
The two took the stage together to present an award, their easy banter and coordinated black outfits creating an instant vibe of cool, conspiratorial friendship. Fans immediately began “third-wheeling” the pair, captivated by their unexpected and radiant chemistry. It wasn’t an act for a film; it was a real-life meet-cute on one of the world’s biggest stages, proving their dynamic translates flawlessly to the camera.
Why We Hope This Isn’t Just a Pipe Dream
In an industry often defined by competition, Brown and Pugh’s supportive, playful relationship is refreshing. More importantly, it’s commercially and artistically sound.
Genre Subversion: Casting two actresses known for dramatic, physical roles in a light-hearted rom-com is a brilliant twist that audiences would flock to see.
Authentic Chemistry: You can’t fake the kind of admiration they’ve openly displayed. That foundation could fuel everything from a buddy comedy to a genuine romantic storyline.
Star Power: Both are global draws, with Pugh anchoring major blockbusters and prestige dramas, and Brown leading massive Netflix franchises.
The question is no longer if they’d be great together—the BAFTAs and their own words have answered that. The question is: which studio or streamer will be smart enough to greenlight the project? The pitch is already written, the leads are already in love, and the audience is already waiting. All that’s left is for someone to say “action.” The world is ready for the Brown-Pugh rom-com era.
