Mila Kunis Explains How She Trained for Iconic Role in ‘Black Swan’

When “Black Swan” premiered in 2010, audiences were mesmerized by its haunting depiction of ambition, obsession, and transformation in the world of professional ballet. Now, 15 years later, Mila Kunis is looking back at the intense preparation that went into her role as Lily, the rival and temptation to Natalie Portman’s character Nina. Speaking with Vogue, Kunis admitted her transformation for the Darren Aronofsky thriller demanded not only hours of training but also extreme sacrifices in her daily life.

Mila Kunis on Intense “Black Swan” Training

For Kunis, preparing to play Lily was as punishing as it was transformative. In an interview with Vogue, she described long, exhausting days of practice where she danced for up to 12 hours while barely eating, sustaining herself on broth and sheer determination. The physical toll was visible, with bruises lining her ribs from repeated lifts during rehearsals. What was originally intended to be a three-month crash course in ballet turned into a six-month marathon after financing delays pushed production back.

While the extension could have been discouraging, Kunis and her co-star Natalie Portman embraced the extra time as a rare gift. “It sucked for Darren,” Kunis admitted of director Darren Aronofsky’s financial struggle, “but Nat and I were so happy because we had three extra months to dance.” Instead of simply surviving the training, the actresses were able to dig deeper into the discipline, refine their technique, and share in the joy of rediscovering ballet together. The grueling process bonded the two friends even further, while giving Kunis the confidence to step into a role that would forever change her career.

Natalie Portman Helped Cast Mila Kunis in “Black Swan”

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Interestingly, Kunis may not have landed the role at all if it weren’t for Natalie Portman. Portman recounted how she first mentioned Kunis to director Darren Aronofsky after discovering her friend’s ballet background. At the time, Kunis was best known for comedy, from her long run on “That ’70s Show” to lighter roles in films like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” Casting her in a psychological thriller about the dark side of ballet was a risk, but one that paid off with Kunis receiving some of the strongest reviews of her career, along with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

“Black Swan” Returns to Theaters for Anniversary

Fifteen years after its release, “Black Swan” remains a defining film for both actresses, and its legacy will soon return to the big screen. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the film will be re-released in Imax theaters on August 21 and August 24. For longtime fans and new audiences alike, it’s a chance to experience Aronofsky’s psychological ballet thriller the way it was meant to be seen — on the largest screen possible.