Mila Kunis Says Her Preparation to Play a Ballerina in “Black Swan” Involved ‘Very Little Eating’: ‘It’s the Truth’

Mila Kunis Reveals Extreme Diet and Dance Routine for ‘Black Swan’ Role

Mila Kunis, the well-known actress, recently shared details about the rigorous preparation she endured for her role as a ballerina in the acclaimed movie “Black Swan”. In an interview with Vogue commemorating the film’s 15th anniversary, Kunis admitted to having followed an intense regime that included minimal food intake and long hours of dancing.

The actress confessed that she significantly restricted her eating habits, stating, “My prep was a lot of dancing and very little eating — which I know you’re not supposed to say, but it’s the truth.” Kunis revealed that she sustained herself on broth and spent up to 12 hours daily perfecting her dance moves to prepare for the demanding role.

Despite facing challenges such as losing financing which extended their preparation period, Kunis, along with her co-star Natalie Portman, remained dedicated to their training. Kunis shared, “We were only supposed to have three months of prep before filming started, but we lost some financing, so that got extended to six months while Darren tried to find money.”

Throughout the filming process, Kunis encountered physical strain and injuries due to the demanding dance sequences. She recalled, “We would shoot those dancing scenes for hours, and I had bruises all over my ribs just from being lifted over and over again.” Kunis also dislocated her shoulder early in production but managed to overcome the setback with the help of acupuncture.

The casting of Kunis as Lily, the intriguing rival of Portman’s character Nina in the movie, came about unexpectedly. Portman, also reflecting on the casting process, remembered how she recommended Kunis for the role after learning about her ballet background during a casual conversation at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

Despite Kunis’ limited experience in ballet, the film’s success was undeniable. With a modest budget of $13 million, “Black Swan” went on to gross nearly $330 million globally and earned Portman an Academy Award for Best Actress. To celebrate the movie’s 15th anniversary, a remastered version of “Black Swan” is set to be screened on IMAX screens across the country on Aug. 21 and Aug. 24.

In conclusion, the behind-the-scenes stories shared by Kunis and Portman offer a glimpse into the dedication and challenges faced by actors to deliver memorable performances on-screen. Kunis’ commitment to her role in “Black Swan” highlights the level of dedication and sacrifice required in the pursuit of artistic excellence in the film industry.

In an era of blockbuster movies, the tales of perseverance and hard work from actors like Kunis serve as reminders of the passion and commitment that underpin the creation of cinematic masterpieces. The upcoming screening of “Black Swan” in IMAX format provides fans with an opportunity to relive the magic of a film that captivated audiences and critics alike a decade ago.