Mila Kunis Reveals Grueling Preparation and Injuries During ‘Black Swan’ Filming
Los Angeles, Aug 17 – Actress Mila Kunis has revealed the extreme lengths she went to while preparing for her critically acclaimed role in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller Black Swan (2010).
Speaking with Vogue on the film’s 15th anniversary, Kunis, alongside co-star Natalie Portman and director Darren Aronofsky, reflected on the physically and mentally demanding preparation that went into portraying professional ballerinas on screen.
Extreme Training and Restricted Diet
Kunis admitted her preparation was punishing, involving long hours of dance rehearsals and minimal food intake.
She said:
“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. I drank a lot of broth and danced for 12 hours a day.”
Initially, the cast had only three months of rehearsal before production. However, due to a financing delay, rehearsals stretched to six months — something Kunis described as a blessing in disguise.
“It sucked for Darren, but Nat and I were so happy because we had three extra months to dance.”
Painful Injuries During Filming
The actress also recalled the toll that the intense ballet scenes took on her body.
“We would shoot those dancing scenes for hours, and I had bruises all over my ribs just from being lifted over and over again.”
At one point, she even dislocated her shoulder during production.
“I thought I was completely screwed, but Darren sent me to an acupuncturist and I somehow came out totally fine.”
How Mila Kunis Got the Role
Natalie Portman, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Nina in the film, shared how Kunis landed the part of Lily, her on-screen rival.
Portman revealed:
“We had been friends for years, and I remember being at the Rose Bowl Flea Market with her, talking about this ballet movie I was making with Darren. Mila said, ‘I remember when I would take off my pointe shoes,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, you did ballet?’ I immediately called Darren and said there was this amazing actress with ballet experience who would be perfect for Lily.”
A Legendary Performance Shaped by Sacrifice
Black Swan went on to become a modern classic, earning five Oscar nominations and cementing both Kunis and Portman as powerhouse performers. While the film is remembered for its psychological intensity and haunting visuals, Kunis’ revelations highlight the immense physical and emotional sacrifices that helped create its authenticity.
Final Thoughts by TheTrendingPeople
Mila Kunis’ candid account of her Black Swan journey underscores the demanding reality behind cinematic brilliance. From extreme dieting to injuries, her preparation was as brutal as it was transformative.
Fifteen years later, Black Swan remains not just a milestone in cinema but also a reminder of the resilience and commitment actors bring to their craft.