It was not a handwritten letter but an email. From Charlize Theron to Uma Thurman, from actress to actress, from star to star. Theron took three days to find the right words, but her effort paid off: the star of Pulp Fiction (1994) was so enamored with the message that she has let the world believe she received a handwritten missive. “It was simply a beautiful letter,” she says to Culto via video call from Los Angeles. She prefers not to reveal the content of the text, but in essence, it invited her to join the sequel to The Old Guard (2020), the Netflix movie in which Theron played the leader of a group of immortal mercenaries who have worked in the shadows for centuries to protect the world. An action film that broke audience records on the streaming platform at the start of the pandemic. The Mad Max: Fury Road actress received an affirmative response. With this, the executive producer also accomplished something that has become almost impossible for Hollywood: getting Uma Thurman, an industry icon, to agree to be involved in new action projects.
Uma Thurman’s recent journey speaks for itself: in the last couple of years, she has added two series (a drama for Showtime, a thriller for Apple TV+), her first movie alongside her daughter Maya Hawke (The Kill Room), and the romantic comedy Red, White and Blue, where she portrayed the first female president of the United States and mother of one of the protagonists. Except for very specific occasions, the actress has avoided this genre since being immortalized as The Bride in the two parts of Kill Bill two decades ago. Now, thanks to Charlize Theron’s intervention, in 2025 we see her as Discord, an immortal who brings back Quỳnh (Veronica Ngô) after centuries of punishment. Following a betrayal by one of their own in the previous film, the team led by Andy (Theron), now a mortal, must find a way to stop the threat she poses. Sooner rather than later, both face off in a fiery battle that fulfills the dreams of fans of both actresses.
A few days before the film’s Netflix release (now available), Uma Thurman talks to Culto about her work on a production she seems to have enjoyed and the connection she sees with her most famous role. When asked about her first impression when Charlize Theron contacted her, she recalls, “She sent me an email, and it was a beautiful letter. You could tell she was very passionate about trying… For a woman to be single-handedly making a great action sequel, creating her own franchise, is exceptional and unique. When she asked me to bring my own experience, history, and energy to help her achieve her full potential, it touched me deeply, and I wanted to see her succeed. So I thought, it sounds like a good idea, let me do it.”
Discussing the excitement the audience would feel seeing Furiosa against Kill Bill on screen, Uma understood why it was a good idea. When asked about the appeal of playing a villain, she reflects on Charlize’s pioneering role in action films and how teaming up with her to support her and engage in a fierce battle seemed like a fun and clever idea. Uma draws a parallel between this new film and the longstanding requests from fans for her return to action or a Kill Bill 3, expressing that this collaboration was a fun way to fulfill that request.
The success of The Old Guard on streaming and the creation of a sequel featuring two women as leads is still atypical in the industry. Uma Thurman reflects on the achievement of filmmakers and Charlize Theron in bringing the sequel to life, emphasizing the audience’s readiness for ongoing action series led by women. Despite the popularity of The Old Guard, Uma acknowledges the challenges she faces in considering new action films, noting her diverse interests and the desire to explore different roles and genres.
Charlize Theron, in a separate interview, praises Uma Thurman’s qualities and contributions to the film, highlighting her power, intelligence, and collaborative nature. KiKi Layne, Uma’s co-star in The Old Guard, expresses her awe at working with both Theron and Thurman, describing them as inspirations. Director Victoria Mahoney recalls the palpable energy on set when Theron and Thurman met for the first time, emphasizing the balance between drama and action in their scenes and the importance of conveying emotion through the lens.
As Uma Thurman continues to diversify her career with new roles, The Old Guard 2 stands out as a rare opportunity to see her back in action, albeit not as The Bride. When asked about the possibility of Kill Bill 3, Uma remains doubtful but leaves room for surprises, acknowledging the unlikely nature of such a project. In the midst of her ongoing projects, including the upcoming release of Dexter: New Blood, Uma reflects on the enjoyable experiences and diverse characters she has portrayed, cementing her status as a versatile and respected actress in Hollywood.
In conclusion, Uma Thurman’s collaboration with Charlize Theron in The Old Guard 2 represents a unique blend of talent, passion, and female empowerment in the action genre. Their on-screen chemistry, coupled with the admiration and respect they share, has not only delighted fans but also showcased the evolving landscape of action films led by strong female characters. While the possibility of a Kill Bill 3 remains uncertain, Uma Thurman’s willingness to embrace new challenges and collaborate with fellow industry luminaries underscores her enduring impact and versatility as an actress.
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