Mila Kunis opens up on the sacrifice behind Black Swan, a diet of “very little eating”

The extreme sacrifice behind Black Swan

When Mila Kunis took on the role of Lily in Black Swan, she knew it would be physically demanding. What she didn’t expect was just how far she would have to push herself to transform into a ballerina.

Her preparation involved relentless training, painful injuries, and a strict diet that she later admitted was “very little eating.”

The truth behind a ballerina’s body

Kunis endured grueling preparation for Black Swan, spending up to 12 hours a day in dance training. Her strict routine left little room for rest, with broth serving as her primary source of sustenance.

The toll was immense, leaving her physically drained. Yet the discipline transformed her body into the lean, precise form needed to portray ballerina Lily.

From three months to six, a hidden advantage

Production setbacks doubled the preparation time for Black Swan, extending training from three months to six. The delay came from financing issues, which disrupted the filming schedule but shifted focus back to rehearsal.

For Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman, the extension proved invaluable. The extra months allowed them to strengthen their technique, perfect demanding choreography, and better embody the physicality of their ballerina roles.

When performance pain becomes reality

The demanding choreography of Black Swan pushed Mila Kunis beyond comfort. Hours of rehearsals and repeated lifts left her body aching, with visible bruises marking the toll of the role.

These injuries underscored the contrast between the polished grace seen on screen and the exhausting, physical strain endured behind the scenes, proof of the sacrifices made to bring authenticity to the performance.

A dislocated shoulder and acupuncture to the rescue

Injuries became part of Kunis’s reality on Black Swan. During production, she dislocated her shoulder, a setback that could have derailed her training and performance.

Instead, director Darren Aronofsky turned to alternative care, arranging acupuncture sessions. The treatment proved effective, allowing Kunis to recover and continue the demanding shoot without having to step away from the physically punishing role.

The role of Lily began with Portman’s idea

Natalie Portman once revealed how Mila Kunis was cast as Lily in Black Swan. Portman, who played Nina, a ballerina consumed by obsession, said the choice emerged from a simple conversation.

The two had been longtime friends, and during a casual chat, Portman suggested Kunis to director Darren Aronofsky. That offhand remark sparked the idea, ultimately leading Kunis to the pivotal role.

Friendship forged in hardship

Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis had been close friends long before the production of Black Swan, a bond that carried over into the film. Their friendship remained strong despite the film’s storyline casting them as fierce rivals.

Director Darren Aronofsky even tried to stir tension between them, but both actresses laughed it off, maintaining camaraderie throughout the demanding shoot.

Living on broth and discipline

Her minimalist diet was paired with extreme discipline. She revealed that her preparation involved up to 12 hours of dance, training daily, a schedule that pushed her body to its limits.

The intense regimen underscored the real cost of disappearing into a role that demanded both elegance and physical endurance.

“My body was never the same after that film.”

Kunis revealed that losing weight so quickly for Black Swan left her body permanently changed. She explained that when she gained it back, the weight didn’t return to the same places.

The extreme transformation became a lesson. She has also said she wouldn’t look forward to drastic weight loss again, though she has indicated she might consider it for the right role.

A lasting lesson on sacrifice

Mila Kunis has said that Black Swan changed how she views physical preparation for acting. She admitted that the extreme methods used for the role were unsustainable.

The film stands as both a career milestone and a cautionary marker in her journey, symbolizing artistic triumph while reminding her of the physical and emotional costs endured.

The Oscar buzz that followed

“Black Swan” was one of the 2010s’ most talked about films, earning Natalie Portman an Oscar and Mila Kunis a Golden Globe nomination. The dark ballet thriller dominated headlines and awards season alike.

This time, Kunis revealed the role took a steep physical toll; she lost 20 pounds, trained exhaustively, and pushed her body to the edge.

A modern classic forged through pain and brilliance

Despite its grueling production, Black Swan cemented itself as a modern classic, chilling in tone and unforgettable in performance. Darren Aronofsky’s haunting vision earned widespread critical acclaim for its daring blend of psychological tension and visual intensity.

Natalie Portman’s mesmerizing portrayal and Mila Kunis’s powerful performance captivated audiences, ensuring the film’s place as both a psychological triumph and an enduring cinematic achievement.

A modern classic returns to IMAX theaters

With just a $13 million budget, Black Swan soared to nearly $330 million worldwide, proving that psychological thrillers can dominate the box office. Natalie Portman’s mesmerizing turn earned her the Best Actress Oscar, cementing the film’s place in cinema history.

This month, fans can relive the haunting masterpiece in IMAX theaters nationwide. On Aug. 21 and Aug. 24, a remastered version returns for a limited run.

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The real cost behind the spotlight

Mila Kunis’ Black Swan journey is remembered as both a triumph and a cautionary tale. Her raw honesty about “very little eating” peeled back the glamorous image of Hollywood, revealing the sacrifices hidden behind award-winning performances.

While the film brought critical acclaim and cemented her place as a serious actress, Kunis’ reflections remind us that no role should come at the expense of long-term health and well-being.

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Mila Kunis’ sacrifice raises a big question: Should any role demand this much? Drop your thoughts, and hit like if you agree.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.