What Did Uma Thurman Reveal About Her Grueling Prep for ‘Kill Bill’ Movies?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uma Thurman underwent extensive training for Kill Bill.
- She returns to action films in The Old Guard 2.
- Her character, Discord, showcases her sword-fighting skills.
- Thurman values female representation in action cinema.
- Her collaboration with Charlize Theron adds depth to the film.
Los Angeles, July 21 (NationPress) Hollywood icon Uma Thurman is preparing for the debut of her latest venture, The Old Guard 2, and has shared insights into the rigorous physical training she undertook for the Kill Bill series.
The 55-year-old star, acclaimed for her legendary portrayal of The Bride in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol 1 and Vol 2, noted that her return to action films this year occurred without the luxury of extensive training.
Thurman expressed to The Sunday Times: “Luckily, I had invested hundreds of hours mastering sword techniques (for Kill Bill 1 and 2),” she stated.
In her upcoming action film The Old Guard 2, which is a follow-up to the 2020 Netflix blockbuster, Thurman portrays Discord, a 5,000-year-old immortal warrior who partakes in a spectacular sword duel against Charlize Theron’s character, Andromache, near a covert nuclear facility, as reported by femalefirst.co.uk.
Thurman reflected on her Kill Bill muscle memory being beneficial during filming: “You might not be as flexible or strong. However, if your mind has internalized sequences of movements, you can reenter that zone.”
For Kill Bill, Thurman dedicated eight hours daily over three months to prepare for her role.
She remarked that this experience was invaluable as she returned to the genre.
In The Old Guard 2, this marks her first sword-fighting role since Quentin Tarantino’s films, and it has been over two decades since she last showcased choreographed combat on screen.
The film is directed by Victoria Mahoney and follows a cadre of ancient warriors possessing supernatural abilities fighting to safeguard humanity.
The original film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, received acclaim for its unique combination of grounded storytelling and stylized violence.
Discussing her attraction to The Old Guard, Thurman stated: “I found the first movie to be quite exceptional, a remarkable female-led action film that was rich in depth, drama, and featured genuinely beautiful, naturalistic performances.”
She also acknowledged her co-star and producer Charlize Theron, 48, as a significant factor in her decision to join the project.
Thurman concluded: “Charlize is an extraordinary performer, a remarkably strong presence, and just as captivating off-screen as she is on-screen. I appreciated the opportunity to play a supporting character to another actress whose contributions to the drama/action genre I deeply respect.”