[Uma Thurman on Fortnite, Wilderness Survival, and Her New Ballet-Action Film 'Pretty Lethal']-[Uma Thurman Was Shocked Her Fortnite Skin Can Dance, Calls Pretty Lethal a ＂Ballet Bloodbath＂]

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon · A2 ·

📋 Summary

Uma Thurman: From Digital Avatars to the Wilderness and Ballet Bloodbaths

In a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, actress Uma Thurman shared insights into her latest career milestones, including her unexpected entry into the gaming world, her daring survival adventure, and her upcoming action-packed film, Pretty Lethal.

The Digital Transformation: Becoming a Fortnite Icon

One of the most surprising revelations of the conversation was Thurman’s integration into the global phenomenon that is Fortnite. Despite her iconic status in cinema, Thurman admitted she was "amazed" by the sheer scale of the game’s popularity, noting that she was particularly surprised to see "so many women playing." To create an "educated skin," she utilized motion-capture technology, wearing a "funny hood mask" that recorded her facial expressions. While her character, Beatrix Kiddo, is known for her stoic nature in Kill Bill, Thurman embraced the absurdity of the digital world, where she noted, "there’s no rules," allowing her avatar to perform dance moves that her character would never attempt in a movie.

Testing Limits: Running Wild with Bear Grylls

Transitioning from digital combat to real-world survival, Thurman discussed her experience appearing on the show Running Wild with Bear Grylls. A "mega fan" of Grylls, Thurman described him as an "alpha-positive male" whose energy she deeply admires. Despite the uncertainty of the show—where producers keep the itinerary a secret—Thurman felt it was "destiny" to participate. When host Jimmy Fallon expressed hesitation about the physical toll of such an adventure, fearing he would "cry [his] brains out," Thurman encouraged him, arguing that he would be "surprised at how brave [he is]." Ultimately, the experience left her "thrilled," and she expressed a desire to do it again, claiming the team could have even "pushed [her] harder."

Pretty Lethal: A Ballet Bloodbath

Thurman’s primary focus during the interview was her latest film, Pretty Lethal. She described the project as "pop action girl art," directed by the "brilliant" Vicky Juice. The film centers on the unique premise of ballerinas defending themselves while wearing tutus. Thurman emphasized the intensity of the training, noting that "nobody can take pain like a ballerina," and calling them "the toughest soldiers out there."

Reflecting on her own history with dance, Thurman shared a humorous anecdote about being told as a child that she "cannot dance" due to her height and physical build. She used this to offer a message of resilience: "not to listen to your detractors, not to be defeated."

Behind the Scenes and Human Connections

The production of Pretty Lethal took the cast to Budapest, a city Thurman found to be a "beautiful medieval city." She particularly enjoyed the local culture of "natural baths," which allowed her to blend in anonymously, as "no one knows" the person behind the disguise unless they are looking for the younger version of her.

Closing the segment on a personal note, Thurman gifted Fallon, a "girl dad," a pair of ballet shoes signed by the film's entire cast. She highlighted the grueling nature of the profession, explaining that a dancer "will break the toe box in one performance," underscoring the dedication and "hard work" that she hopes will inspire women and girls everywhere.

🎯Key Sentences

Now you've done everything.

I was amazed when I went, too, because there were so many.

Everyone's doing it.

There's no rules in Fortnite.

How do you get hooked up with Bear Grylls?

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📝Key Phrases

get into

get hooked up with

outdoorsy person

handle yourself

jacked up

Expand All

📖 Transcript

Welcome back.

Thank you, everybody.

They love you.

I love you.

Thank you so much for coming back.

I want to get into everything.

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