Uma Thurman has recently made headlines discussing her decision to step away from action films following her iconic role in the Kill Bill franchise. The actress, known for her role as The Bride in the successful Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Kill Bill: Volume 2 released in 2003 and 2004, respectively, recently opened up about her hiatus from the action genre while making a comeback in The Old Guard 2 alongside Charlize Theron. Thurman shared insights into her thought process during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on June 17.
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Thurman revealed that she took a deliberate break from action movies post-Kill Bill to maintain the integrity of her legacy in the genre. She expressed concerns about being typecast in similar roles and focused on exploring diverse projects instead. The actress emphasised the importance of choosing roles strategically after the massive success of the Kill Bill franchise. However, when the opportunity to star in The Old Guard 2 emerged, Thurman felt compelled to return to the action genre, viewing it as a chance to dip her toe back into the realm of action cinema.
In her latest venture, Thurman plays the antagonist opposite Charlize Theron’s protagonist, Andy, who she acclaimed for her exceptional performance in the prequel, The Old Guard. Thurman praised Theron as ‘epic’ and ‘incredible’, and admired the film’s unique storyline and character depth. Portraying a villain in the movie was a new and exciting experience for Thurman, who described it as ‘fun’, particularly relishing the opportunity to embody a humorous antagonist.
Despite her long absence from the action genre, Thurman shared that she did not undergo extensive training for The Old Guard 2, quipping about her lack of preparation for handling a sword on set. Instead of combat sequences, Thurman found eating scenes more challenging due to multiple takes, uncontrollable food choices, and the need to speak while eating. The actress humorously remarked on the intricacies of portraying an eating scene convincingly, highlighting the nuances and difficulties actors face in such scenarios.
When quizzed about the potential for a third instalment in The Old Guard series, Thurman hinted at the possibility, teasing fans with the prospect of future sequels. However, she remained tight-lipped about a potential return to the Kill Bill universe, suggesting that while discussions had occurred in the past, immediate plans for a sequel were unlikely. As Thurman prepares for the release of The Old Guard 2 on Netflix on July 2, fans eagerly await her much-anticipated comeback to the action genre.
Thurman’s journey from iconic action hero to a discerning actress exploring diverse roles underscores her versatility and strategic approach to her career. Her candid revelations about her decision-making process and experiences on set offer fans a glimpse into the inner workings of Hollywood and the challenges actors face in bringing characters to life. As Thurman ventures back into the world of action cinema with The Old Guard 2, her return promises thrilling performances and captivating storytelling for audiences worldwide.