Uma Thurman Applauds Co-Stars' Stunt Prowess at 'Pretty Lethal' SXSW Debut
Uma Thurman, celebrated for her iconic action roles in films like 'Kill Bill,' recently attended the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival premiere of 'Pretty Lethal' on March 13 in Austin, Texas. The 55-year-old actress expressed admiration for her young co-stars' impressive stunt work, noting their dedication and skill in performing daring sequences.
Thurman's Role and Praise for Ballet-Trained Stars
In 'Pretty Lethal,' Thurman portrays Devora Kasimer, a villainous innkeeper whose role required less physical intensity compared to her co-stars. She marveled at the ballet-trained actresses, including Maddie Ziegler, Lana Condor, Avantika, Millicent Simmonds, and Iris Apatow, who executed their own stunts and dance routines. Thurman told People magazine, "My part wasn't as stunt-heavy as the other actresses in the movie, so it wasn't hard for me in that way." She added, "They did all their own dancing and stunts, and they were working together with a stunt team to create this incredible action sequence."
Film's Unique Blend of Genres and Female Empowerment
'Pretty Lethal' combines elements of dance, survival horror, and hyper-violent empowerment, following a ballet troupe whose bus breaks down en route to a competition, leading them into deadly chaos at Thurman's eerie inn. Thurman described the script to Screen Rant as "an incredible mashup of ballet and a battle for survival." She highlighted director Vicky Jewson's vision, stating, "I kind of got an understanding that she was going to break this thing out, and make this like, intense female empowerment, pop art, hyper-violent action."
Inspiration from Thurman's Legacy and On-Set Dynamics
Thurman's extensive action background, including roles in 'Batman & Robin' and 'The Old Guard 2,' influenced the film's stunt focus. She recalled her 'Kill Bill' training, saying, "Thank God for that, because I signed on quite late for this project, so I didn't have time to do proper training. Fortunately, I had put in hundreds of hours learning how to hold a sword." Her co-stars, like Maddie Ziegler, cited Thurman as an inspiration, noting, "Kill Bill was a huge inspiration for us. Her action fight scenes, her being just a badass woman, we looked to her for inspiration."
Director's Acclaim and Thurman's Villainous Portrayal
Director Vicky Jewson praised Thurman's ability to play a villain, telling People, "Uma is obviously an icon, and she can play a villain like nobody else can. She has a wicked sense of humor, and she also brings empathy to the character that allows you to stay with the character when the most absurd stuff happens." Thurman also shared with InStyle that the film has an over-the-top vibe, describing it as "feminine, yet wild. It's gruesome, humorous, and powerful, so over the top, it's beyond the top."
Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes and Cast Bonding
On set, Thurman's calm demeanor was highlighted by her knitting habit, which contrasted with the intense action preparations. The cast shared stories of this blending of coolness and focus, adding a personal touch to the film's production. This dynamic underscored the collaborative spirit and mutual respect among the actors, enhancing the film's creative process.
