Uma Thurman recently shared her admiration for her fellow cast members in the new action thriller “Pretty Lethal” during the film’s premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival. The event took place in Austin, Texas, on 13 March 2026.
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In a conversation with PEOPLE, the 55-year-old actress recounted her experience on set, noting that her role had less emphasis on stunts compared to other characters in the film. Thurman portrays Devora Kasimer, a reclusive former ballet prodigy who runs an eerie roadside inn. While she acknowledged that her part did not include extensive stunt work, she expressed her enthusiasm for the remarkable performances of her co-stars.
Thurman remarked, “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 continued to praise her colleagues—Maddie Ziegler, Lana Condor, Avantika, Millicent Simmonds, and Iris Apatow—who play members of a ballet troupe whose bus has broken down en route to a competition. “They did all their own dancing and stunts, and they were working together with a stunt team to create this incredible action sequence,” she said.
Though her character required less physical exertion, Thurman is well-known for her dedication to preparing for action roles. In previous interviews, she has spoken about the intensity of her training for films like Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill,” for which she trained for eight hours a day over three months. Referring to her preparation for “Pretty Lethal,” she acknowledged that while her part may not have demanded it, her extensive experience in action films has been invaluable.
Ziegler, 23, echoed Thurman’s sentiments at the SXSW premiere, saying the influence of “Kill Bill” loomed large during the production of “Pretty Lethal.” “Her action fight scenes, her being just a badass woman, we looked to her for inspiration,” Ziegler explained. She shared her excitement upon learning that Thurman had signed on for the project, expressing how inspired she felt by working alongside the accomplished actress.
Thurman has maintained her reputation as both a talented performer and a gracious colleague. Ziegler described her as “such a lovely person and so talented, graceful, poised and kind,” further underscoring how meaningful the experience was for her.
As filming concluded, the cast received thoughtful gifts from Thurman, adding another layer to their bond. Apatow revealed that Thurman presented them with yarn and knitting needles, which Ziegler explained stemmed from Thurman making her own sweater during production. “She basically was just like, I had to find my way to self-soothe,” Ziegler said, indicating that the gift served as a reminder to embrace moments of calm in a hectic industry.
“Pretty Lethal” focuses on a compelling narrative surrounding the ballet group and their harrowing journey to a competition. The film promises a mix of action and emotional depth, set against the backdrop of a seemingly innocuous but foreboding inn. With a mix of established talents and rising stars, the film is now available for streaming on Prime Video.
This project showcases not just the skills of the cast but also the collaborative spirit they shared on set, something that Thurman and her co-stars have highlighted throughout the promotional events. The film’s momentum is bolstered by the behind-the-scenes camaraderie, which has undoubtedly contributed to its potential success.
As “Pretty Lethal” makes its mark, it stands as a testament to the beauty of unity and support amongst women in the film industry, illustrating how experienced actresses like Thurman can inspire and uplift younger talent. The combination of dynamic performances, engaging storytelling, and real-world connection off-screen solidifies “Pretty Lethal” as a noteworthy entry within the action genre.