Mila Kunis Reveals Extreme Weight Loss for ‘Black Swan’ Role
UPDATE: Mila Kunis has opened up about her intense weight loss while preparing for her role in the critically acclaimed film Black Swan. In a revealing interview with Vogue, published on September 29, 2023, Kunis admitted to drastically reducing her food intake during the film’s rigorous filming schedule.
“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 stated. The 42-year-old actress shared that she consumed primarily broth while dancing for up to 12 hours a day.
The preparation period for Kunis and her co-star, Natalie Portman, who portrayed professional ballerinas in the 2010 psychological thriller, was initially set for three months. However, due to financing issues, the project extended to six months, allowing them more time to perfect their dance skills. “It sucked for Darren [Aronofsky, the film’s director], but Nat and I were so happy because we had three extra months to dance,” she explained.
Kunis described the physical toll the role took on her body, stating, “We would shoot those dancing scenes for hours, and I had bruises all over my ribs just from being lifted over and over again.” She also revealed a serious injury, “I dislocated my shoulder pretty early in the production and thought I was completely screwed, but Darren sent me to an acupuncturist and I somehow came out totally fine.”
Portman reflected on the training experience, noting the depth of her insights into the ballet world. “One of the most surprising side effects of doing the physical training was that I ended up spending a year talking extensively to my trainer, who was a former New York City Ballet dancer,” she shared. “It was like doing investigative journalism, but I was just gossiping with her while doing pliés.”
Kunis first discussed her dramatic 20-pound weight loss in 2012, revealing to Harper’s Bazaar that her body has never been the same since. “When I got down to 95 pounds, I was muscles, like a little brick house, but skin and bones. When I gained it back, it went to completely different areas,” she said.
When asked if she would consider taking on another role that required significant weight loss, Kunis responded, “I’m not going to say I’d look forward to it, but if an offer came along, I’d do it.”
This candid admission highlights the extreme physical demands placed on actors within the film industry, sparking discussions about body image and health in Hollywood. The revelations come at a time when conversations about mental and physical well-being in the pursuit of artistic excellence are increasingly important.
As the public reacts to Kunis’s comments, many are questioning the lengths to which actors must go for their craft. The conversation surrounding body image and the pressures of Hollywood continues to evolve, making this a critical moment for reflection in the entertainment industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it resonates with audiences worldwide and prompts discussions about the realities of film preparation and the impact on actors’ health.
